FEBRUARY 2, 2020Spread

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY.....

Memories of Super Bowl Long Ago

Miami gets to host the 2020 SUPER BOWL, while the 2021 edition will be north of Sarasota in Tampa.  I'm sure many remember Tampa's last game in 2009 won by the Pittsburgh Steelers.  We go back to 1991 game in Tampa won by the New York Giants as Scott Norwood's missed field goal attempt to win the game went far right.   Played during Gulf War and featuring  Whitney Houston's memorable performance of the Star Spangled Banner.

With the popularity of pro football, and proximity of game a few exits away, Sarasota should see increased traffic, busy restaurants and few available hotel rooms the week before.


A week doesn't go by without a Downtown Sarasota Craft show.  Next weekend(Feb 8-9) is no exception, as the 32nd Annual Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts returns to its Main St at Orange location.   The wide Main st location allows for vendors on both sides of the street, and allows you to snack at the event, or have a sit down meal at several Main St. locations.

The Festival runs 10am-5pm both days.

PIZZA A PIZZA

Had dinner this week at a casual Italian restaurant at Parkway Collection Plaza.  For those of you unfamiliar with name, Plaza is location of $2.50 Movie Theatre, Outback, and Detwilers.  Appizza A Pizza has had several owners over the years, only to fail.  Not this time, as new owners have act together.  This is far from fine dining, just a casual neighborhood "joint" offering a wide range of food from pizza, pasta, salad and sandwiches.  Open lunch and dinner daily.

Food is prepared and delivered from open kitchen which can be seen from most tables with portions ample enough to be shared.  Wine, beer and dessert is also available.  Dine In or Take-Out at 6392 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd. 941-203-8537.  You can view menu on line at www.appizza,com.  

 Remember Wednesday?  A picture-perfect day to take a walk to Sarasota's Bayfront Park to view once again Embracing Our Differences.

 Spread along the water are 50 billboard-sized works of art, each accomplished by an inspirational quote.  And all with a sponsor responsible for its presence.  Winners of major prizes have already been determined; however, Best in Show for both student and adult chosen by visitors to the show.

Unconditional Surrender

I question their numbers, but according to promoters,  over 218,000 visited the park last year, with year's attendance projected to grow to 230,000.  Due to Super Bowl, expect that figure to rise appreciably next year.  The exhibit runs through April 5, 2020. 

While there you will be near our iconic Unconditional Surrender.  For those unfamiliar, this statue is a recreation of Life Magazine cover at the end of World War II.




Tuesday lunch this week was at one of Sarasota's

most popular restaurants,  The Rosemary.  Not a seat to be had inside, with one table available outdoors on a perfect afternoon for that.  Dinner continues to be available a few doors north at Rosemary & Thyme, but here's good news to those procrastinators who have not made Valentine's Day dinner reservations.  The Rosemary is open 6:30-10:30 with special menu accompanied by wine and music.  Call 941-955-7600 to reserve your table. 

The date of this issue says it all; less than 2 weeks before Valentine's Day.  You have a card, now how about a gift only a woman would love.  Next Sunday you'll have your chance as 5 Women 1 Show returns to Raine Studio, 728 Gillespie Ave.  From 2-5, shop while enjoying champagne, chocolate and strawberries.

By now the artists should be familiar to you; Lorrie Dickinson, Melodie Burns, Marlene Meyer, Marla Soloman Katz and Karen Chandler.


Space did not permit a review of new FST production American Dream.  Several have written favorably about this one, and you can read their reviews and mine next week....grab a ticket before its too late.

JIM'S RANT.....We've been going to TOWN HALL for several years.  The list of speakers covers most topics of interest and includes politicians, authors, athletes, and more.  The first 2020 lecture on Monday with General John Kelly introduced a new format where questions were delivered from stage and not audience.   Several bland questions left me yearning for more.  Please go back to old format!  One man's opinion.....JIM......See you next week....

JANUARY 26, 2020

JOIN SARASOTA BALLET FOR 2020 SEASON OPENING..................

The Sarasota Ballet launches the 2020 Winter-Spring season on January 31st-February 3 at the FSU Center for Performing Arts.   This 7:30 3 act performance still has tickets available in all price ranges $35-$115.  Call 941-359-0099 to reserve yours today.  Evening and matinee performances are available, but opening night is sold out!!


If you're reading this Saturday evening or early Sunday, you still have time to attend the Temple Sinai 12th Annual Jewish Food Festival. 

Bring an appetite as food is plentiful, homemade, and ranges from potato pancakes to blintzes to strudel to deli corned beef and more.  Bring your credit card as health, craft and jewelry vendors will be displaying and selling wares throughout.

 Running 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Located at 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge. (enter from Proctor Road between Swift and Beneva; use road next to Arvilla.)   Admission is free, but the food will cost you.  Several thousand attend this event yearly, and it has grown to one of the biggest in Sarasota.  For more information SINAISRQ.org.



This time of year, St. Armands Circle is teeming with tourists, snowbirds and locals.  Add a street promotion on most weekends, and it's a wonder those of us who live here venture there, but last weekend we did.  Met friends at old favorite Columbia Restaurant, where reservations are accepted and honored.

Who can go wrong with their Cuban Black Bean Soup topped with diced raw Spanish onions?  Or Columbia's Original 1905 Salad, made to perfection by our server.  There was a Cuban Sandwich and fish as well at our table, and along with their freshly made hot bread it was quite a meal.  Maybe a little noisy, but enjoyable nevertheless.  Open for lunch and dinner daily, call 941-388-3987 and make a reservation.


We're a week away from Super Bowl and two weeks away from the Academy Awards.  No predictions this week, though I did predict one picture and actor to be in final consideration.  With 11 nominations, JOKER was singled out in several categories.  If you have not seen this one, it's available now On Demand.

In three weeks we'll be passing out Valentines...Get a head start on that holiday by purchasing tickets for the next Great Escapes concerts Heart and Soul.  The musical selections have love in mind and range from Deubes to Gershwin to Williams.

The music magic begins Wednesday February 12 at  5:30 pm and runs at various times through

Sunday February 16.  Guest conductor Christopher Confessore has been here before and brings out the best in our wonderful orchestra.  Call 941-953-3434 or SarasotaOrchestra.org and order your Valentine tickets today.

One of the best reviewed and audience-received FST Cabaret reviews in recent years is coming  back for a limited engagement.  Unchained Melodies with the four original performers returns March 11 through the 22nd.  Subscribers are being offered $25 tickets for early purchase. This 35% off discount expires 1/31.  Call 941-366-9000 or floridastudiotheatre.org.

Celebrating male harmony groups of the '50s and '60s with easily remembered songs as Blue Moon, 16 Candles and Save The Last Dance, Unchained Melodies promises once again to sell out at FST.

Stone Crabs From Barnacle Bill's

Sarasota restaurants keep closing their doors.  This past week, Barnacle Bill's closed the doors on their Tamiami Trail location.  No notice, other than a sign thanking patrons for their support over the years.   Sounds like the property will be re-developed without a restaurant.  Bill's Main St. location remains open.

Open and Waiting..Reservations Accepted

And on Friday, Bravo Coastal Bar and Kitchen,  shut down its  Westfield-Siesta location, citing weak business.  This is a big blow to struggling Westfield, which continues to lose retail, and is left with Too Jay's and Connors as sit down restaurant possibilities.

Thanks to Mark Freed for bringing this breaking news to my attention. So goes it.

JIM'S RANT......The announcement this week of Lucky's and Bravo closing is another nail in the coffin of Westfield Siesta Key.  I remember when Sarasota shopping began and ended at this location, which at its peak was home to Saks Fifth Avenue, Williams-Sonoma, Ann Taylor,  Banana Republic,  and Dillards.   Today, Sarasota shopping begins and ends at UTC or on-line from Amazon.  You can still go to a movie, work-out, have a corned beef on rye at Westfield Siesta Key, but not much more...JIM...Thanks for reading. See you next week......

JANUARY 19, 2020

I HAVE A DREAM.......

As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King this weekend...."darkness cannot drive

out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." 

One of the world's greatest leaders, who left us too soon.  Take time this week to reflect on the man and his message!

Temple Emanu-El is hosting their annual interfaith celebration of Dr. King's legacy today (Sunday) at 3pm.  This annual event includes music, poetry and a sermon.  At the close of the celebration is a cake and coffee reception.  The address is 151 McIntosh Road.

Sarasota is fortunate to have a world class orchestra performing throughout our winter season.    We recently went to a Great Escapes program which showcased the best of Sarasota Orchestra.

The next Escapes/ Space and Beyond  begins Wednesday and runs through Sunday.  Music from Star Wars, Star Trek, and Apollo 13 will be performed. I understand tickets are available, but limited.  If you miss this one, the series resumes in February and concludes in March.

There's not a bad seat in Holley Hall where Escapes is performed.    For tickets go to Sarasota Orchestra.org or call  941-953-3434.  We are now committed to next season.  Hope to see you there.

 By the time you read this, it will probably be too late this week for an interesting POP-UP

 craft opportunity at Westfield Siesta Key Mall.   However, the same POP-UP repeats the weekends of February 15-16 and March 21-22.  The entrance by Bravo restaurant will take you to Vintiquity Lane where the POP-UP is included with the shops, items ranging from whimsical to mid-century to distressed furniture.

For more information call 841-777-5178 or contact vintiquitylane@gmail.com.


With so much attention paid to Holiday events at UTC, somehow I overlooked an exhibit of photography in neighboring Nathan Benderson Park.   The Fence Exhibit is the largest public photo exhibition in North America, and this year includes a showcase of the best from Gulf Coast Photographers.

Park your car near Dillard's and walk to Regatta Island where you can take a leisurely stroll through the exhibit. Open until sundown through early February.

A few weeks ago I informed you of SOL's NYC Deli menu availability at Hotel Indigo,
where he is head chef.   Many delicatessen favorites i.e., corned beef, chopped liver and matzo ball soup are available along with standard menu.  This is his fifth attempt at establishing a competitor to TooJay's, and though the product passes a taste test, the bread and venue do not.

Sol's "famous" Corned Beef

Sol's Matzah ball soup

Not Sol's fault that the restaurant is in an open lobby which includes check-in desk and tables for computer or gawking. 

 If you can get by the decor, the food is pretty good.  His big problem continues to be a a rye bread that falls apart before you're halfway through the sandwich.

If you don't have room for dessert, or are fatigued from eating lunch in the Indigo lobby, then take a piece of Sol's cheesecake home with you.  Easily, the best part of the meal.

Westcoast Black Theatre is back, and is quite something to see in its newly renovated performance hall  1012 N. Orange.  Caroline, or Change kicks off the 2020 season; a musical which is only fitting, since it's about change and growth.  When scheduled, I doubt West Coast knew this former Tony winner would be revived on Broadway this season, 15 years after its premiere.

Before going, I suggest reading Jay Handelman's review posted to Herald Tribune June 12.  He heaps praise on this production as well as the newly remodeled theatre.  Playing through February 16.  Tickets available at box-office, westcoasttheatre.org  or call 941-366-1605.

Opera House

Sarasota Opera House  is hosting an open house Wednesday January 22, 5:30 to 8pm.  Enjoy a FREE evening featuring performances, talks,  costumes, a backstage tour, and more! Light hors d'oeuvrs and refreshments will be served.  The Opera House is located 61 North Pineapple Ave,







JIM'S RANT......It's disheartening to read almost on a weekly basis the failed attempts to find a permanent home for the above mentioned Sarasota Orchestra.  The reaction of Payne Park tennis players was selfish, as they could have easily shared their venue with the orchestra.  A "threat" by the Orchestra to move to Lakewood Ranch is also disheartening.  The Orchestra belongs somewhere between Sarasota and LWR....JIM....thanks for reading.  See you next week.....

JANUARY 12, 2019

ROLLING INTO THE ASOLO...........MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS........

Express Makes Stop in Sarasota

The story is familiar:  On an elegant train, a large cast of suspects is traveling from Istanbul to Paris when the train gets stuck in a snow storm and someone turns up dead!!  Sounds like a fun evening, and it is according the review I read in the Herald.  This Express is different than movie and previous efforts, and "...is fun for all."

Playing now through March 8, with good seats for ALL performances.  The Mertz Theatre , 5555 N. Tamiami Trail.  Call 941-351-8000 or asolorep.org.   Go and enjoy a night away from television.

On a beautiful January afternoon with two grandchildren in tow, had lunch on Circle at Venezia.  With more outside dining than any other Saint Armands Circle restaurant, Venezia is always busy on sunny warm days.  For eleven years, owner Rafel Miccio has been serving lunch and dinner at his highly visible location.

Their lunch menu offers classic Italian dishes including pizza, pasta, entrees and several different panini sandwiches which are served with french fries.  Also a wide variety of salads served cold and fresh.  You can have wine or your favorite beverage along with meal.  Leave room for dessert, as Venezia offers a wide variety of homemade goodies from apple pie to Tiramisu.

For reservations, inside or out, call 941-388-1400.  To view complete menus go to Venezia-1966.com.

While waiting for this year's SUPER BOWL teams to be determined,  you can start thinking SPRING.  By the time you read this, we will be 40 or so days away from the first pitch in what promises to be an interesting Baltimore Orioles season.  The box-office at Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St. is now open at 10 a.m. daily through last game March 23.

You'll need a scorecard, as nearly the entire roster has been re-done in anticipation of a few years of a rebuild before competing again with the likes of Yankees or Red Sox.  For an afternoon of outdoor fun go to a spring game this year.


SILL'S Music Mondays series kicked off last week with tenor Anthony Dean Griffey and continues through March 23.  This year, a variety of classical and contemporary singers and instrumentalists  will take questions from either Ed Alley or Joe Holt.  Conversations and performances begin at 10:30, Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road or 3:30 at Venice Presbyterian Church.  

 
 Tickets at both locations are only $10 per person and are available at door.  There is ample seating, so no one should be shut out.    For more information call 941-365-6404 or sillsarasota.org.  These programs are presented by the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning.


Season is in full swing, just play in traffic around 3:30 each afternoon, and see for yourself.  With so many here for a short stay, weekly Festivals and Craft Shows are a good way to spend an afternoon away from that traffic.  Next weekend, one of the season's best Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival, begins Friday afternoon at 4PM until 10PM.  Saturday closing is same, while Sunday you'll have to get your shopping and eating done before 4PM.

If you're reading Blog on Sunday, you still have time to go to same location for this weekend's Fine Art Festival, also at JD Hamel Park.


Conveniently located at Hamel Park at Gulfstream and Main St. smack in downtown Sarasota.  All types of music and food for your entertainment and dining.  Sarasota favorite, Kettle of Fish perform on Saturday.  See you there!!







**************Many of you are going to be disappointed with not including SOL NYC DELI review this week.  I'll have plenty to say next week along with comments from several readers**********





JIM'S RANT.....you've been North on the Trail this week and were late for a meeting or plane arrival/departure at SRQ, you weren't the only one.  Never-ending construction, lane closures, accidents, and bad drivers, makes for a long and UNPLEASANT journey.  Best advice is stay off Trail at least until spring, when hopefully some of the work will be completed.  And if you're going to Van Wezel take Boulevard of Arts, and forego 41 altogether....JIM....Thanks for reading.  See you next week...............

JANUARY 5, 2020

THE ROAD TO SUPER BOWL LIV (54) GOES THROUGH BALTIMORE..................

This weekend marks the beginning of a march to Miami, when on Sunday February 2, 2020 a new Super Bowl Champ will be crowned.  Since it cannot be Chicago, what better team to claim the title than the Baltimore Ravens......


Hard to believe, but Van Wezel has its 50th season this year with a star-studded line-up for almost every musical. theatrical and comedy taste; but not with a hiccup.  The celebration concert featuring International recording artists, Il Divo has been cancelled due to an injury to one of the tenors.  The rescheduled date is January 15, 2021.  In its place is the April 28 opening night performance of Tony winner Come From Away.  We saw this in NY, and if you go, it will be a memorable evening.

At least 11 events are scheduled for this month, including the return of Steve Martin and Martin Short for an evening of fun and nostalgia Thursday January 23.  The Book of Mormon holds the stage January 7-12, followed by Waitress January 24-26.

For a complete schedule see  VANWEZEL.ORG.  Their box office is open daily 10am-6pm, or you can call 941-263-6799.  Season brochures also available on site or at  box-office.  See you there!!!

Lots of restaurant news this week......the grand opening of CIRCO, the latest creation of Tableseide Restaurant Group....the purchase of Main St.Cask & Ale by Gecko's owners.....and the return of SOL's NYC deli/ huh?

CIRCO's menu is full of Mexican delights from salsa, guacamole, tacos, homemade chips.  Along with your favorite bourbon, beer and Margarita, there is enough food and drink for a snack or dinner.  The restaurant is in an open space with ample bar or table seating.  Open for lunch and dinner 1435 2nd St. across from Whole Foods.  And that's where you can park if driving. 


PBNT, Plaza Burgers 'n' Tacos at 1409 Main st., is now known as Plaza Burger 'n' Tavern;  part of American Dreams restaurant group which operates next-door steakhouse Element and seafood restaurant Duval's.   The idea is to make PBNT a three meal restaurant with a broader menu with quicker service than the their other two more casual dining experiences.

The Cask & Ale plans are yet to be announced, though the new owners are leaning to a seafood based menu.  The current menu will not be changed until end of season.  At that time, the restaurant will close and open with new identity in the fall.

Sol Shenker in Indigo Kitchen

 SOL, aka Chef has never gone away, landing back where he began it all at Hotel Indigo as their chief chef.  But this week he brought back (in part) some of his NYC deli specialties as part of their lunch and dinner menu.

Friend and bike enthusiast Randy S, who along with Brian W were among Sol's first Main St. customers in November 2015.  Since then, Sol has attempted his deli offerings in numerous locations, only to close for unannounced reasons. 

Fake News

 Randy writes.."Sol's version of "authentic" does not exist anywhere on the planet, and his bread falls to pieces the first time you attempt to pick up your sandwich.  A classic example of fake news is the picture with caption "One of the sandwiches served at Sol's NYC Delicatessen.  Randy, Brian and myself wish him well and hope this time he lives up to his promises.

By now your Christmas/Chanukah presents should be open and safely stored somewhere in your home, and you're ready for more shopping!!!  Kick off the 2020 season of Art-Craft shows next weekend at Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival JD Hamel Park at Gulfstream and Main St.  Familiar artisans along with new additions will make your visit memorable.  Open both days 10am-5pm.  Food and entertainment should make your visit an entertaining one.

A new year brings an opportunity to visit one of our many cultural attractions which you might have missed in 2019.  The John and Mable Ringling Museum features great art and crafts along with the best glass exhibit on the west coast.  And, every Monday is FREE admission day if you are a Florida resident.  Located 5401 Bayshore 10AM-5PM with plenty of free parking across the street from Museum.

JIM'S RANT.......In keeping with football theme, I am going to weigh in on Buc's QB, Jameis Winston.  Until last week's Falcons game, I was all in for franchising him for at least another season.  However, Jameis's last pass of 2019 went for a game losing pick six, and for me was the last straw. Each 2020 interception would be an ugly reminder of career struggles keeping the ball away from the opponent's defense.....Jim.......Thanks for reading...Have a great week.....