NOVEMBER 3, 2019

DID YOU REMEMBER TO TURN THOSE CLOCKS BACK LAST NIGHT........

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep.  Those pesky clocks Spring ahead Sunday March 10, 2020!!



The spectacular 2019/20 season of Sarasota Orchestra continues this week with Van Wezel concerts November 8-10.  Guest conductor Gerard Schwarz, fresh from his stint as Conductor Laureate of Seattle Symphony takes the baton for Classical Romance, the season's first Masterworks program.

Along with guest pianist Lise De la Salle, Schwartz leads the orchestra in a concert of exhilarating classical masterpieces by Mozart, Dvorak and Strauss.  Tickets from $35 at SarasotaOrchestra.org or 941-953-3434.  


Mark your calendar for Saturday November 9 for the 18th annual Suncoast Food & Wine Fest.  Taking place at the  Lakewood Ranch Premier Sports Campus, where you will be able to sample food and wine from dozens of restaurants including Seasons 52, Grove, Ophelia's, Capital Grille, The Rosemary and Thyme, and Sophie's, to mention just a few.  Tickets range from $85-$175 and can be purchased in advance at wwww.SuncoastFoodAndWineFest.com.

Along with the food is wine and continuous entertainment.  Gates open before 1 and Fest ends around 4.

The Sarasota Opera House is alive and well thanks to the Sarasota Opera production of ever-popular Rigoletto.  Starring in the company's eighth production of Rigoletto is William Davenport, who has been featured in past productions.  Joining him is another regular, Hanna Brammer who was seen here recently in The Magic Flute.  Real-time English translations are projected above the stage, making it easy to follow along, as this opera is in Verdi's native Italian.  

 
If you've never been to an Opera performance and are wondering the proper attire; you're in Sarasota!!  Dress comfortably and be yourself.  Appropriate dress can be anything from jeans and khakis to gowns.  I've seen men in shorts, but would not advise them.

Only a limited number of performances before closing November 17.  Tickets can be purchased at 941-328-1300 or sarasotaopera.org.

If you're into casual dining and don't mind being surrounded by large screen television carrying the sporting events of the day, then you should try Duffy's .  Serving Sarasota since early 2017, Duffy's offers more than 20 beers on tap, a wide variety of wine and full bar.   Their lunch and dinner menu offers ribs, burgers, salads and steak. 

Tastes as Good as it Looks

 We took advantage of a Prime Rib Dinner offered Fridays and Saturdays.  Available after 5:00 pm, and while supplies last, the dinner includes 10oz. of beef along with salad and side for only $21.95.  Our meal was delicious, filling, and with a Duffy's MVP card, received $20 credit towards the our next visit.  Located at 3005 University and open daily for lunch and dinner.



For a moment, try to  forget about the Selby Gardens Master Plan, and focus on the Gardens,

then head on over for their annual Orchid Show 2019: Blossoms of Asia.  Running through December 1, this show features orchids, of course, set in an Asian-inspired landscape.  These unique orchids are showcased within horticultural displays which demonstrate the cultural significance of the plant to Asian art, philosophy and religion.

This exhibit runs through the end December 1, unless held over.   Soon the magic of Selby will be highlighted by their yearly Christmas display of trees and plants.  Become a member and take advantage of Selby several times a year.  Great attraction for out of town guests.   Open seven days a week until 5pm.  Their website at Selby.org is available for lots more information.

We're one week away from All Faiths Food Bank annual Bowls of Hope.  Next Sunday, 11 am-2pm at Ed Smith Stadium, you can join your neighbors for a buffet of soups, breads, desserts and more.  For only $30 admission you receive a handsome ceramic bowl which is used for the soup and more available at the stadium.  If you have kids or grand kids under 12 their price is $10, but without the ceramic bowl.  

For advance ticket purchase call All Faiths Food Bank 941-379-6333 or email info@allfaithsfoodbank.org.  For a $100 donation, along with bowl and food, you receive quick check-in, reserved parking and seating.

JIM'S RANT....I recently signed a petition for  2020 Florida primary ballot to raise Florida's minimum wage to $15.  I'm pleased to see enough of you signed that same petition, and this issue will be resolved next year.  The restaurant industry among others claim profit and volume will go down once this measure takes effect.  I can only point to New York, where revenue and profit increased after a similar measure passed last year......JIM.....Thanks for reading...see you next week....

Rally for Minimum Wage Increase

OCTOBER 27, 2019

GET OUT THE CANDY. POPCORN,PENNIES AND BE PREPARED............

No trick or treat,  but lots of new entertainment options opening this week to take advantage of before the season begins in earnest.

Starting Friday and running for 10 days is the 30th Annual Cine World Film Festival.  Once again presenting the latest in new foreign and independent cinema, the Sarasota Film Society will have screenings at Burns Court and Lakewood Ranch Cinemas.

The Report with a lineup of Adam Driver, Annette Bening and Joe Hamm, in a thriller based on actual events leads the list.  Parasite playing in NY and Washington has been hailed by critics in both markets.  From South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, rated R for language and violence. 

The Two Popes

Jonathan Pryce/Anthony Hopkins

with Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce won't be in theaters until Thanksgiving, but you can see it at Cine World a few weeks in advance of release.  The Song of Names will be out for Christmas.  Starring Clive Owen and Catherine McCormick,  Song is called deeply moving by critics as it unfolds over two continents and a half century.

In addition to the many films screening there are several documentaries showing during the 10 day

Scandalous National Enquirer

Festival including Scandalous: The True Story of the National Enquirer.  For over 60 years, this publication has rattled the foundations of American culture and politics.  If you've ever wondered how the stories were developed you will find out at one of the 3 scheduled screenings.

Tickets can be purchased at Burns Court box office or online at www.filmsociety.org.  If you haven't been to Burns in awhile, they've improved sound and screen.  If temps are warm bring a sweater, as air-conditioning has also been upgraded.

The Manatee Community Concert Band comes marching back into Sarasota/Bradenton as it celebrates 50 years of performances.   Their 2019-2020 schedule kicks off the season with guest conductor J.R. Boatwright presenting "Ode to the Overture".  I am not privy to the program, but I am sure the music will be familiar and uplifting.  If you are a fan of band music, and enjoy an indoor auditorium setting rather than an outdoor stadium, then "Ode to the Overture" is for you. 

Once you go, you will be hooked, and hopefully take advantage of the three programs scheduled over the next several months.

These concerts are FREE and open to the public with general seating.  The program begins at 7pm and is immediately followed by a reception at Neel Performing Arts Center 11 East 60th Avenue W. Bradenton.  Donations are always appreciated and fully tax-deductible.  For more information call 941-363-1237.  More information is available at ManateeConcertBand.org.  Hope to see a big crowd for these performances.

Farmers Market South Lemon

The weather cooperated for this week's Sarasota Farmers Market.  Last week's rain was not a good way to end their use of 1st Street location for displaced merchants from South Lemon as the street and sidewalks were under construction.   But this week marks the return of vendors to familiar South Lemon and State Street near Hyde Park Restaurant and the rapidly rising Mark.

Embarrassed to say, it's been several years between lunch at Fresh Start, but this week thanks to ROMEO friends went back...and was not disappointed.  Located in the rear of 630 S. Orange with plenty of street parking and a shaded patio for outside dining; especially on beautiful fall afternoons.  

So many choices from their breakfast lunch menu. Open daily, including Sunday, 9AM-2PM From lox. bagels and blintzes to salads, frittatas and sandwiches there is an item for any time of the day.  Beverages include standard fare of coffee and soda, with imported beer and sangria as well.

And, if you're so inclined and live within close proximity to  Fresh Start, you can place an order for delivery at doordash.com.  So if you're looking for a unique food option in the Burns Court area, I strongly recommend Fresh Start.  However, one word of caution.; while Start has several tables inside and out, their small kitchen sometimes gets overwhelmed with orders.  If your lunch is a casual one be prepared to wait after ordering; however if you are in a hurry, order as soon as menu and server arrives.

The reviews are in, and this season's Sarasota Orchestra is off to a rousing start.  The Great Escapes series which kicked off with a rousing tribute to Arthur Fiedler sold out its Holley Hall performances.  Now comes Masterworks at Van Wezel, where more seats are available for the Orchestra's November 8 -10 performances.  Guest conductor Gerard Schwarz, currently Conductor Laureate Seattle Symphony, leads the orchestra through Mozart's Piano Concerto No 20 through Dvorak's Symphony No. 6.

Tickets from $35 (not a misprint) at SarasotaOrchestra.org or 941-953-3434.  As the search for a permanent conductor continues each program gives you an opportunity to hear and see from of the finest our country has to offer.





JIM'S RANT......Not so many years ago, this time of year was filled with anticipation, as first Halloween, then Thanksgiving then Hanukkah/Christmas, and finally New Year's Eve were celebrated with family, friends and everyone who was in the holiday spirit.  When did it all change?  When did we start Christmas decorations, shopping, commercials right before Halloween?  Oh for the days of taking one holiday at a time.......JIM....Thanks for reading...see you next week......

OCTOBER 20, 2019

SARASOTA'S SEASON OF ENTERTAINMENT IS ABOUT TO BEGIN......ENJOY

Scene From Sound of Music

For as long as I can remember, Asolo Repertory Theatre has opened its  season with a Broadway musical.  This year's choice of Sound of Music is a popular one, as tickets on sale now, are going fast for most performances.  Josh Rhodes who directed Evita in 2017 returns and gives his take on this  all-time Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway classic.


Opening next month on the 16th and running through December 28 with preview nights of December 13,14 and 15, tickets for Music and the 5 other productions are available now.  You canst op by box-office 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, call 941-351-8000 or on line at asolorep.org.  Coming in January Murder On The Orient Express.  Can't wait to see their stage version of movie.

It's not too late to purchase tickets to next year's Town Hall Lecture Series.  Presented by The Ringling College Library Association, this popular series moved to The Van Wezel several years ago to accommodate increasing demand for tickets.  Kicking off the program is former General John F. Kelly, who served as President Trump's Chief of Staff until January.  He will be joined by world-famous photographer Annie Leibovitz among others.

To purchase single tickets or a subscription call 941-309-5100 or info@RCLAAssociation.org.  Each program, if interested, includes lunch or dinner at an additional charge.  Single tickets for the meal go on sale in January.

A Julie Classic Mary Poppins

Season Brochure Available
at Van Wezel

Van Wezel celebrates its 50th Anniversary this season with an almost nightly performance schedule of comedy, music, theatre and magic.  Of interest will be newlywed's David Foster and Katherine McPhee, at least to me, who will be here Sunday March 22.  Don't wait that long, as November brings several nights of entertainment including a rare appearance from Julie Andrews who along with her daughter will take questions from the audience. In addition, a short video of Andrews career will help kickoff the presentation.

The Bodhi Tree Cafe has found a home in Towels Court Art District.  Across the driveway from Indigenous, owners Carolina and Oscar are presenting a similar but entirely different approach to fine dining.  Not too busy this time of year, Oscar is more than willing to satisfy your seafood or meat choices with advance notice.  Purchasing his fish daily, Oscar is glad to pre-purchase your choice and prepare your way that evening.

Since 2004, The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast has been an exciting part of the Sarasota

Winter Season.  Their 16th Annual Winter Residency begins December 19 and runs through January 4, with several opportunities for you to see the musical events scheduled throughout those dates.

The only Florida appearance by the Julliard String Quartet will help usher in the program with a concert at Sarasota Opera House December 2.  Tickets for this concert are going fast and can be purchased by calling 941-328-1300 or visit PerlmanSuncoast.org.  Keep reading here for more information on the Season, including information on closing concert January 4, also in the Opera House.

If you missed Saturday's Sarasota Farmers Market beginning next Sunday you can to Lakewood Ranch for your produce and vegetables.  With over 50 vendors committed The Market will be open for business next Sunday 10 AM-2 PM through April 26.  Conveniently located at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 
8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd where easy parking, free samples and entertainment await.  Visit themarketlwr.com for event information.



Coming next Saturday my choices for top CINEWORLD motion pictures.......

Brochure Available at Theatres
Single Tickets on Sale Next Week

If movies are your thing and cannot wait for Cineworld, then head to Naples for their International Film Festival later this week 10/24-27.  Short and sweet with fewer movies but just as many parties.


After travelling to Naples turn back to Sarasota for the University Town Center Fine Art Fair.  This outside show runs 10/26-7 10am-5pm in front of restaurant collection at West Grand Entrance.

Nestor ENOUGH ALREADY 

JIM'S RANT....Florida Senator's Mark Rubio and Ric Scott have a bill pending before Congress that would increase the tax-free stay of Canadians from 6 to 8 months.  Most of the letters I read oppose this idea arguing if the Canadians  want to stay then they should  become a citizen.  However, I support this bill since the Canadians I've met love it here, add to our economy, and adhere to our laws...what do you think..........JIM.....Thanks for reading...see you next week....

OCTOBER 13, 2019

HONORING THE MAN WHO DISCOVERED AMERICA.......

COLUMBUS DAY commemorates his Arrival in America October 12, 1492.  The holiday began in 1937 and has grown into one of the biggest shopping days of the year; especially with the holiday season now less than two months away.  See you at UTC.

While there, treat yourself to Taste of UTC, their semi-annual lunch and dinner promotion.  At participating restaurants a 3 course meal is being offered at $16 and $32.  Season's 52, California Pizza Kitchen and Brio Tuscan Grille are just a few of the more than 14 restaurants participating.  For more details and menus go to MallatUTC.com  

Available now at newsstands around Sarasota is the Fall 2019 SEASON brochure.  Complete with a calendar of day by day events October through December.  From opera to symphony to lecture to black tie, it's all here for season planning or just a good read.  SEASON was distributed with last week's Observer, but is still available wherever you pick up copies of the paper. 

Spent this past weekend with family in Baltimore.  After many meals at new and old favorites, we landed at PAPPAS, home of Baltimore's best crab cakes.  Several Sarasota restaurants feature "Maryland style crab cakes" on their menu.  None come close to authentic Maryland crab cakes.  Eight ounces of lump crab meat blended with a family recipe and served with choice of sides and salad.  


Since most of you are not planning a trip to Baltimore, you can do what we do a few times a year and order 6 or 12 and store in your freezer.  They come next day fed-ex delivered in dry ice and taste just as good as being there.  Call 888-535-2722 or go to PappasCrabCakes.com for a full menu of goodies

 A bright and cheerful new restaurant has opened on The Trail across Westfield Mall, home to several popular Sarasota restaurants.  IRISH 31, along with its standard fare of salads, burgers, wings, Reuben sandwiches, and macaroni and cheese, offers traditional Irish pub food like pot pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash and Shepperd's pie.

The bar serves all your favorites including beer, wine and a drink list with everything from Ciroc vodka to Parrot Bay run and its own signature bottle of whiskey-131.

The main dining room is open with a large bar on one end and tables and booths lining the walls and interior.  Their interior design will remind you of Oak&Stone and Napule.  Open daily 11 a.m.-midnight with weekend closings 2 a.m.  If you can wait, IRISH 31 will be expanding with their next location planned for Lakewood Ranch.

SARASOTA  ORCHESTRA series kicks off its Great Escapes series this week with a Salute to Arthur Fiedler.  An iconic former conductor of the Boston Pops, our orchestra celebrates the 125th birthday of his birth.  Music scheduled to be performed over the 4 nights are Saint Louis Blues March, theme from The Godfather, Mary Poppins, Leroy Anderson's Syncopated Clock and many more.

Not Announced But Scheduled

Wednesday at 5:30 and continuing through Saturday at various times.  Performances take place at Holley Hall.  Tickets start at $42, but series tickets are still available.  Purchase tickets at 709 N. Tamiami Trail or by calling 941-953-3

Mark your calendar's for the 30th annual CINE-WORLD FILM FESTIVAL.  This year's event runs November 1-10 and includes films from recent Toronto Festival.  No schedule yet, what else is new, but members can pruchase advance passes at  filmsociety.org.  Passes start at $90.

JIM'S RANT......Temple Emanu-EL was full with worshipers Tuesday night as we ushered in the holiest night of the year with Kol Nidre Service.  Listening to the haunting music I could not stop my mind from wandering to the police presence outside and the possibility of  a crazed gunman targeting our Temple.  Fortunately the service concluded without incident.  On that day,  German Synagogue almost  fell victim to a crazed shooter and two people outside the synagogue were shot dead.  When will love and compassion replace hate in our world?????JIM.....Thanks for reading...see you next week....

 Jim& Roberta With Family in Baltimore