MARCH 1. 2020

NIK VS. THE VOLCANO..........

Masaya Volcano

Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. turn your television to ABC, as Sarasota's Nik Wallenda tries to outdo himself.  He will attempt to walk across Nicaragua's Masaya Volcano; and you thought walking across Times Square was crazy!   Results next week.........

It's rare for an Asolo Rep play to generate as much or even more buzz than their opening musical, but Murder On The Orient Express does just that; especially the staging.  The set is lavish-looking with cut-glass windows and wood paneling, along with the rotating cars  giving  both a sense of motion and a view from outside. 

The imaginative sets, creative costumes, and snappy dialogue make this feel more like a musical than a straight play.  But if you want to catch a seat on the train before it leaves the Asolo, do it soon.  Express closes March 8, and with other plays to follow, I doubt it will be extended.

For tickets 941-351-8000, 800-361-8368 or asolorep.org.  You can always stop by box-office 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Mon-Sat or day of performance.

Salvador Dali: Gardens of the Mind is the fourth annual display of art at Selby Gardens, one of Sarasota's best attractions.  This exhibit, in collaboration with the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, features 10 of his lithographs of flowers that have not be displayed anywhere in years.  

Dali With And His Famous Mustache

In conjunction with the Dali paintings and usual garden displays,  a butterfly house filled with Florida native butterflies and plants has been erected to honor one of Dali's favorite symbols.  

If you plan on going for this exhibit, the entrance price is $25 adults and $15 for children 4-17.  A family membership starts at $100 for dual and $150 for family.  Parking is available on site or at the many parking facilities a few blocks away.

SCOOP.....Mark Freed broke the news of new University Town Center ice cream shop locating adjacent to Shake Shack at 190 Cattleman Rd.  Since 2002, Jeni's has been available in pint size at Publix and Whole Foods, with Tampa housing area's only company store.  Opening is scheduled for early this summer.


Finally saw Florida Studio Theatre's production of American Son.  I fully agree with those of you who told me it was one of their best presentations in years.  Though we had seen the original on Broadway several years ago, we were blown away by the acting, staging and lighting of this production.


For 90 minutes of fast paced dialogue, the amazing cast will have you on the edge of your seats, and the ending, though predictable, will have you asking for more.  Playing through March 22, you should be able to find seats for most performances at 941-366-9000, the box-office,  or floridastudiotheatre.org.  





A few weeks ago went to oldie but goodie, Caragiulos.  Typically crowded for a week night, the wait was not too long, and their bar was a good place to wait.  Once seated, we were treated with the same excellent service and food they've been known for since opening in 1989.  Their Chopped "1989" salad tastes the same 31 years later, as does the pizza and pasta.  Lots of similar restaurants have opened throughout Sarasota, but not many on a level of Caragiulos.

If your party is 6 or more, they do accept reservations.  My suggestion is to go during the week and let the snowbirds fight for space on the weekend.  Open for lunch Mon-Fri and dinner Mon-Sun, Caragiulos is  Located at 69 South Palm Avenue. 




JIM'S RANT....

The Baltimore Orioles are in their 10th season of Spring Training at Ed. Smith Stadium.  The Sarasota Ballet, Opera and Orchestra are well into their performance schedules for 2020.  And  if that were not enough to attract visitors to our community, now comes word of Siesta Key's Number One ranking as "best beach of 2020."  Add warm weather and a growing airport, and it's easy to figure out why Uber or Lyft may be your best option until April....JIM....Thanks for reading.....see you next week....

FEBRUARY 23, 2020

11TH ANNUAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS NOW ON SALE..............

The fun begins March 11 and runs through March 22.   Eighteen films are scheduled for this year's edition; including the film of Broadway sensation Golda's Balcony and closing film Never Again is Now, with stars Evelyn Markus and Rosa Zeegers in attendance.

Eighteen films are scheduled to be shown over the eleven days.  I look forward to seeing Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles, the story of one of Broadway and Hollywood's most successful productions, and Golda's Balcony, the Broadway one-woman show, with Tova Feldbush creating 45 different characters.

For tickets call 888-718-4253, Option 1 or visit jfedsrq.org/jff20.  


One more day left of FINE ARTS FESTIVAL of  MANATEE COUNTY....I know there's a show every weekend, but this one is unique and well worth the trip today (Sunday).   The crafts are juried, and this one takes place in downtown Bradenton at the beautiful River Walk on the Manatee River.  Admission and parking are free; the food isn't, but there is plenty of it!  Open today until 4 pm.

Proceeds of Festival benefit Art Center Manatee's Education programs.

Sarasota Art Museum

Even More Beautiful In Person

While I'm on an art kick, I recommend a visit to Sarasota Art Museum/Ringling College of Art+Design.  Located at 1001 South Tamiami Trail in the former home of Sarasota High School.   Never having been in the high school, nonetheless, the renovation is extrodinary, as are the paintings displayed on the second floor.  If you are going to be here as resident or part-time, a membership is cost-efficient, and gives you far more benefits than one-time pass.

To purchase on-line, go to sarasotaartmuseum.org membership@sarasota art.


For several years, Pacific Rim has been serving from a menu specializing in Japanese Thai Fusion Cuisine.  In addition,  their creative Sushi is as good as most competitors; especially in the evening when their top sushi chefs are preparing those items.

Rim's luncheon menu also features a Bento Box with choice of shrimp, scallop, chicken or vegetable tempura and with three pieces of sushi or California roll.  Along with salad and miso soup.  There is more than enough to share.  Pricing is reasonable, the setting, comfortable, and the service, knowledgeable and quick.

Located 1859 Hillview in the same complex housing Origin and Southside Deli, with one word of caution.  Parking is at a premium, within the complex itself,  but plenty spaces available on Hillview.   While there, take at walk to Morton's Gourmet Market for one of their on-site made desserts. 

Hard to believe

Scene From Movie

anyone reading this blog has not seen Les Miserables, either on Broadway, Tampa, the movie, or television.  If you haven't seen this show of shows, it returns to Van Wezel this week for 7 performances, with a matinee on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets available at Van Wezel box office, 800-826-9303, VANWEZEL.ORG, or 941-263-6799 where seats for ALL performances are available.




The front page of Friday's Baltimore Sun caught my attention.  Those of us who live here from time to time call Sarasota "Paradise."  So does the baseball team that trains here.

Tickets are almost gone for Monday's 1:05 game against Boston, but good seats remain for Wednesday's game against neighbor Tampa.  Call 941-893-6300 or visit on-site box-office to get yours for games through March 23.





JIM'S RANT....Against my better judgement, I called Xfinity with a phone issue.  Of course the operator was in the Phillipines, spoke broken English at best, and even worse, was not up to speed about my problem.  The next operator was even worse.  When I finally was transferred to someone who spoke English well, and understood my problem, I am happy to say it was resolved.  However, my next Xfinity problem will be handled with their University Pkway store.  At least there, I'll be able to find someone who knows more about the company they represent....Jim.....Thanks for reading....see you next week.....

FEBRUARY 16, 2020

SPRING TRAINING UNDERWAY IN FLORIDA.........

Hope For More of This in 2020

Up and down the state of Florida, spring training camps are open with

exhibition games about to begin.  Here in Sarasota we have the Baltimore Orioles; while a few miles away in Bradenton the Pittsburgh Pirates are preparing for the start of 2020 season next month.

Hard to believe, the Orioles are celebrating their 10th season at Ed Smith Stadium,  and in recognition of that milestone,  are offering several events and promotions throughout the 2020 Spring Training season.   Next Sunday not only do kids get to run the bases, but adults are invited to stay at the park for "happy hour" with discounted drinks and more.  Next week, I'll have additional March special promotions.  


This weekend we are celebrating Presidents Day, honoring two of our greatest George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  While wearing or eating what you bought at the many specials dedicated to the day, remember two of our best, if not the best.

If you're reading over the weekend, and are wondering what to do Monday, SILL'S Music Mondays has ample room for last minute decision makers. 

One of today's best known classical guitarists, Jason Vieaux gives his take on guitar playing 10:30 am in spacious Church of the Palms 3224 Bee Ridge Rd.  If you can't make the morning session, the program is presented at 3 p.m. at Venice Presbyterian Church 825 The Rialto, Venice Fl.

Ten dollar ($10) tickets are available at the door at both locations.


Hillview St.  from US 41 East to Osprey is home to several outstanding restaurants.  Pacific Rim, Origins, Geckos, and Southside Deli come to mind.  Add recently opened A Sprig in Thyme to the mix.  Moving into the vacated 62 Bistrot location (1962 Hillview), and changing nothing but the menu, chef Scott has created a dinner restaurant on a par with most of our better ones!  The menu is typical of upscale dining, but limited so as to provide the diner with a creative experience.  The prices are no higher than what you expect from our better restaurants.

The open kitchen at the far end of the restaurant adds to the pleasure of the evening, as you can almost guess when your meal is being prepared.  The night we were there, most tables were occupied, but the server and her assistant were able to provide quality service.  Reservations are a must, especially on weekends.  For yours call 941-330-8890.

Tickets are on sale now for the 85th annual Florida Strawberry Festival,  February 27- March 8 in Plant City.  This 11-day community event celebrates the strawberry harvest of Hillsborough County.  Nearly 1/2 million annually attend this event that includes youth livestock shows , rides, exhibits of all types, plenty of strawberry dishes, and lots of entertainment.

Some of the scheduled acts are The Oak Ridge Boys, 

Festival Strawberry Dessert 

Rascal Flatts, Pattie LaBelle, and Reba McEntire.  Tickets for the Festival are $10 and available at the gate.  Reserved seating for the nightly performances are available at flstrawberryfestival.com, 813-719-6680, or day of show.  A complete talent lineup, as well as parking options  is available at flstrawberryfestival.com. 

You can also purchase tickets at all Publix locations where you save $2.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets thru March 8th.

ACADEMY AWARDS......Parasite won for best picture; I picked for best foreign film.  The director also won.  I picked Quentin Tarantino .  As for acting category, my picks of Phoenix and Zellweger won in Best Actor category.  Overall, the telecast was even more boring than last year.

JIM'S RANT.....Sarasota and the entire state of Florida welcomes "season"; even though it means crowded restaurants and increased traffic.  A reservation, call ahead,  or off-peak easily eliminates the frustration of standing in line to dine.  However, there is no way to avoid north-south traffic; especially route 41.  Tuesday, I had a 3 pm  appointment on US 41.  Fortunately, I gave myself ample time or would have been way late.  Will avoid that one until Memorial Day...JIM....Thanks for reading.  See you next week........

Thanks to Jerry Coleman for Providing Orioles Information

FEBRUARY, 9, 2020

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON.........VALENTINE'S DAY IS FRIDAY.....

Cards are at a premium, but your favorite locations like Publix or CVS continue to have a wide selection of  Valentine's cards

Oh Oh!

 If you're now starting to look for a dinner reservation, I suggest you do it today, as most favorable time slots are almost gone.  Whatever you do, have a great Day.

Scene From Market

If you haven't been to the Saturday Downtown Farmer's Market since their return to original location, you will be impressed with the increase in produce and other market items in their expanded Main St. location.  

Open rain or shine between the hours of 7:00 am and 1:00 pm and offering products and services provided by local farmers, downtown businesses and Sarasota artisans.  You'll find fresh fruits and vegetables as well as handmade soaps, seafood, coffee and baked goods, bulk spices, orchids and flowers, and much more.

Award Statues 

By the time you read this, the 2020 Academy Awards could be history.  I am writing this on Friday, a few days before the telecast, and am offering my annual predictions for a few Awards. Check back next week and see how I did.

 Picture.....Once Upon A Time in Hollywood
 Foreign....Parasite
 Director...Quentin Tarantino
Actor.......Joaquin Phoenix
 Actress....Renee Zellweger



Manatee Community Concert Band has 2 FREE concerts this week. 

Celebrating 125 years of performances, their first concert, A Musical Journey to Remember, is Tuesday 7:00 pm at Colony Cove in Ellenton.  Following on February 15 will be one closer to home, 2:00 pm at Neal Performing Arts Center 5840 26th St. West, building 11, Bradenton.  Remember these are FREE concerts and capacity is limited, so get there early!



The Band performs a wide variety of music, from standard marches, Broadway and movie hits, swing classics, pop, classical and much more.  The musicians are all volunteers; in fact, you might know some of them.    See you at one of these concerts this week.

  

Circus Sarasota has once again set up its tent in the field across UTC/Dillards.  Performances run through March 1,, with shows at 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with 2p.m. matinees 
Wednesdays and Saturdays; and 1 and 5pm performances onSundays and Presidents Day (February 17).

The show starts off with a gallop, with the three woman Alanian Riders trick riding at a full gallop around the ring.  Following are circus acts from around the world; including many recent participants in America's Got Talent and Cirque Du Soleil.  Nik Wallenda will not be with Circus this year, as he prepares for his walk across a volcano in Nicaragua in March.

Ticket pricing begins at $15 to $55.  For tickets or information call 941-355-9805; circusarts.org, or on-site box office opening later this week.

American Son rolled into FST a few weeks ago to kick off their 2020 Main Stage season.   In the few years writing this blog, I don't recall a show generating so much buzz from readers and friends


At least a half dozen of you have sent email encouraging me not to miss.  Larry Coleman writes...An extremely well done performance and very intense.  I don't think I've seen a show so emotional.  Not for the faint of heart."  Buddy and Linda Kaufman told me not to miss, and Max Kelly says this is most powerful play he's ever seen at FST.  This show closes 3/22, but due to high demand could be extended. 

Call 941-366-9000 or floridastudiotheatre.org for tickets.

JIM'S RANT....An article in Wednesday's Herald says all you need to know about our increasing year-round population.  Lorraine Road, once a dirt road, with nothing much beyond, is expanding to offer an alternate to rapidly over-crowded I-75.  In addition, it would also connect to a series of sub-divisions from Clark Rd. south to Venice.  I can remember when Lakewood Ranch came into existence with a few apartments and condos; now it is one of Sarasota's most desirable living options...Jim....thanks for reading...see you next week......