JUNE 18, 2017

WE'VE EARNED IT!!!!  ENJOY.......

 
The Jersey Tenors kicked  off  FST's Cabaret season to packed houses.  This newly created  music review includes classic rock hits along with operatic favorites. 

Featuring music from Queen, ABBA, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, and more.  Sounds like great summer entertainment.  Playing through 7/17.  For tickets and performance schedule please click here. 

What separates this show from the current Burt and Me at Main Stage are the performers.  The Tenors quartet grew out of a Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons tribute band.  In addition all cast members have Broadway credits, professional voices from pop to opera, and know how to belt out a song.


On the other hand, if you're tired of recreations of old songs and yearn for the real thing; YOU'RE IN LUCK.......

 One of our great singer-song-writers of the rock and roll era, Diana Ross, makes a return engagement June 23 at Van Wezel.  Though somewhat ancient, she does put on a good show of hits along with several costume changes.  Time has done little to dull the famous sound of the 60's,70's and 80's.



Tickets for the World Rowing Championships at Nathan Benderson Park are on sale now.  You can purchase tickets daily at The Visitors Center kiosk inside UTC. You can also purchase tickets on line by clicking here.

If any of you paid a visit to the High School event at Benderson last weekend where over 1,700 rowers competed, you know the kind of crowds to anticipate.   According to what I've read, several thousand more will be competing September 23-October 1. 

With close to 45,00 people expected for the event, tickets will become a premium later this summer.





John Grisham's newest thriller, Camino Island, starts like a speeding train and never lets up until near the end when it falls apart.  Yes, even Grisham can have a clunker.  It was as if he was in a hurry to finish for publication.  To be drawn in for over 300 pages and cast aside for a disappointing ending is enough to ask for a refund.  I give this one a C minus!  Grisham is scheduled for one of his legal thrillers later this year.  I hope for a more satisfying finish to that one.

Currently  reading Al Franken Giant Of The Senate and will have a review next week.  HINT..far better read than current Grisham.




Though Savor Sarasota may have ended its run on Thursday; it still continues at several outstanding restaurants.  Among them, Capital Grille, MoZaic, Hyde Park and The Rosemary. I have been to each and  highly recommend.  Their menus are deep, the servings are normal size, and they treat you like a real customer, not someone dining at a discount.  Not mentioning any names, but some restaurants had the audacity to serve their items at 1/2 size portions. 

And why does Savor Sarasota Month run two weeks instead of four? 

Megyn Kelly

Megyn Kelly, who gained instant notoriety when ridiculed by Donald Trump last year, immediately parlayed that exposure, leaving FOX for NBC.  Her first venture for them is not going well.  Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly is getting clobbered by 60 Minutes.  So, in order to create conversation she's booked controversial far-right radio talk show host Alan Jones this week at 7pm.  

Alex Jones

Jones, whose claims of  Sandy Hook shooting "a hoax perpetrated by forces hostile to the second amendment" have caused outrage among most intelligent Americans; many of whom are angered at the idea of any more publicity for Jones.

Kelly is too smart not to call Jones out on his implausible views. And, she has every right to do so! Jones has now released his transcript of the interview and is crying foul even before the program airs.  You watch and make your own conclusions.  Sandy Hook was no "hoax"!


JIM'S RANT.... Remember when shopping at a favorite store or mall was eagerly anticipated?  Not anymore, as major retailers make it easy to shop same store items on line and have liberal return policies to boot.

Maggie Menderski wrote last week in her Herald Retailing and Tourism column of  having recently discovered the convenience of shopping Amazon on-line for more than just a book.  Her enthusiasm is unbridled as she makes a convincing argument to stay at home and shop.

 I don't see how the Sarasota  retail community could be too thrilled with her column.  Though on-line shopping is now a way of life for so many it should not be for someone who writes a column in support of in-store shopping.

Many of you received last week's edition of Jim Knows Sarasota for the first time in weeks.  I'm happy to say, delivery issues have been resolved.  So until next week....thanks for reading...JIM 

JUNE 11, 2017

WILL SHE OR WON'T SHE PERFORM TONIGHT??

Beginning at 8 on CBS, is Broadway's own Super Bowl;  The 71st Annual Tony Awards.  As of this writing, it is still uncertain whether Bette Midler will be joining the cast of Hello Dolly, as they perform one of the songs from her hit revival.  Even without her performance, Kevin Spacey and many others will keep you entertained for over three hours.

Mel Brooks, Norman Lear, Carl Reiner

If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast is the HBO documentary about vitality.  Celebrities from
Carl Reiner to Dick Van Dyke to Mel Brooks are only a few of the 90-plus-year-old people profiled in this earnest and comical documentary about growing old and enjoying it!! 

There are so many wonderful moments in close to two hours, but none better or more touching focuses on Ida Keeling, who took up jogging to overcome grief, and ran a 100-yard dash last year-at age 100.  You can catch this On-Demand. 

Many of you have seen Burt and Me and in no uncertain terms let me know about it.  However, along with the negative have come positive comments.  I find out for myself tonight (Saturday) and will have one final comment next week.  But I couldn't resist a comment from Irv Becker who writes....."the setting was lovely and everything down hill from there...amateur hour would be a step up from this performance."

Larry Coleman and Marlene Meyer both told me if you like Bacharach's music you will be entertained. If you want to see for yourself, this one closes in a week.

Old friend and faithful reader, Pacy Oletsky writes "Most of your restaurant reviews center around what salad you ate.  I wonder what 90% of your readers who eat real food think."

This week I am going to review two restaurants in UTC, both of which I highly recommend, either now during Savor Sarasota, or anytime after.  By the way both are great for special occasions.

Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon

Seasons 52 should be a familiar name to most of you.  They have several locations around the country in addition to Sarasota.  We had birthday dinner with granddaughter Cori in their Tampa location. From the moment we gave our name for reservation, to our booth, server, bread basket, meal and dessert, we were treated like the only customers in the restaurant. We've been to the UTC location with the same experience. 

For reservations call 941-702-9652; especially if you want the quiet of a booth.

Our Capital Grille experience was similar, and we took advantage of their Savor Sarasota menu. (Only a few days left for this promotion.  I urge you to call NOW for whatever reservation time is left (941-256-3841) Like Rosemary, there was nothing skimpy about their portions, including steak and salmon.

Started with a glass of wine, followed by a wonderful bread basket, dinner of bone-in-dry-aged NY strip and salmon along with family style servings of potatoes and vegetable.  Finished with a dessert of flourless chocolate cake or creme brulee.

Pacy, do you feel better about my eating habits now???

An interesting store recently opened at UTC/Cooper Creek.  Five Below near a fading Leroy Selmon  is loaded with items $1-5.00.  Here's just a sample: greeting cards, beauty products, cell-phone covers, candy, clothes and pool toys.  The list goes on, but you get the idea.  Easier to navigate, and far brighter interior than $ Store, Five Below also frequently changes merchandise.  So if this kind of shopping is your thing, a weekly visit is not out of the ordinary.

Tonight Rosemary District's Pomona Restaurant served its last meal.  The owners are now going to concentrate on Main Street's Lila.  Rumor has it an Italian restaurant (how many of those do we need?) will be taking over their beautiful location.  Still unconfirmed, the new restaurant is People's Pizza, expanding here from Cherry Hill New Jersey.  Rosemary continues to be the district's premier restaurant.
 

 JIM'S RANT....There are many reasons to fall in love with Sarasota.  One is not our rainy season.  It just doesn't rain here, it pours.  Days at a time, measuring not in puddles, but inches.  What once was a drought has now become hazardous.  Please stay off the roads if you can't handle precipitation.  Too many who don't know how to navigate standing water took to the streets this week creating a nightmare for all of us.

Until next week...stay dry....JIM

The VANITY plate sweeping the country

 

JUNE 4, 2017

SIESTA IS NO.1 AGAIN.....SEE FOR YOURSELVES.......

It may be a quiet time for Sarasota, but you would never know it by the number of venues offering Summer entertainment. 

Though the Sarasota Symphony Orchestra is on hiatus for the summer, classical music abounds for the next few weeks.  For several years the Orchestra has been host to  Sarasota Musical Festival, as young talent gather from all over the country to learn from a professional staff of musicians.  The sessions take place at either Holley Hall or the Opera House.

The first Saturday Symphony on June 10 showcases the talent of both faculty and student participants in full orchestral splendor at the historic Sarasota Opera House. Along with Flutist Jasmine Choi, a 2105 student and Music Director Jeffrey Kahane this first concert is titled " The Triumphant Fifth", with music from Beethoven, Faure and Ibert.  

To purchase tickets call 941-953-3434.


Burt & Me, featuring the songs of Burt Bachrach and Hal David opened FST's Mainstage summer season Wednesday and runs through 6/18.  The show is about a young man who learns to enjoy taking piano lessons his parents force on him after his teacher introduces him to Bachrach's music.  More than a play with music, this is a coming of age romantic comedy.

 
Several more familiar Bachrach songs are performed by the talented cast.  They include Close to You, What the World Needs Now, Close to You, One Less Bell to Answer, and Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.  Sounds like a good way to spend a HOT June night.  To purchase tickets for all shows click here or call 941-366-9000.
 

After a disappointing Premier and run of  Beatsville, Asolo Rep closes its season with its annual family production.  A theatrical reimagination of Jules Verne's classic deep sea tale, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, opens Wednesday and plays through July 1.

According to their publicity, "Leagues comes to life through visually striking multimedia story-telling, with vivid projections and puppetry taking the audience on the voyage of a lifetime."  Should be terrific entertainment for the young and young at heart.

Several  area attractions are partnering with Asolo.  Among them, Mote Marine Laboratory, South Florida Museum, Manatee County Libraries and Schools, and Conservation Foundation of Gulf Coast.  You can click here to reserve tickets for this family show.

Back by popular demand... SHIRLEY AND ME.  A total sell-out at the recent Sarasolo Festival.  Actress, artist, and writer Jan Wallace appears in a one time only performance next Friday, June 9, 8:00pm at the Starlite Room 1001 Coconut.  Tickets are $15 at the door or call 941-979-8084 to reserve one.  Pre-show dinner is available as well.  To reserve a table call 941-708-5613.
 

More summer fun next week.  But if you can't wait, this week's OBSERVER includes Summer 2017 SEASON....copies all over town.



Last week my Tuesday ROMEO group made a return visit to BOCA.   As some of you may recall, the same group had lunch there several months ago, and came away dissatisfied. 

Not anymore!!!!

A new easier to navigate lunch menu,  new manager and terrific server, erased any negative memory.  The food was delicious.  Three of us had the chopped salad with several components from romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, garbanzo beans and air-chilled chicken plus several more ingredients.  Their salad easily blows most of the like salads away.  A special  donut with ice cream dessert completed our triumphant return.

Main dining area of BOCA

Unlike several other restaurants in that area, BOCA does accept reservations at  941-256-3565. A word of caution.....BOCA has become a very popular spot and does get noisy in the evening.  My best advice if you want quiet is to book their second floor.  Your lunch can easily be enjoyed in their main dining area.  Either way, I  NOW enthusiastically endorse BOCA!!!!! 



Next weekend you can take advantage of still another St. Armands Circle CRAFT FESTIVAL.  Running June 10th-11th 10am-4pm.  This is the 16th annual from promoter American Craft Endeavors, which is one of several bringing these events to the Circle.

JIM'S RANT.....I am a big supporter of Savor Sarasota.  Though the cost for dinner has gone to $32, it's still  good value for the money.  However, if you DON'T eat dessert,  then you'll find in most cases, it's better to order from the menu.  Some restaurants will let you substitute a starter for dessert; several won't.  What with the entire restaurant industry in a funk (see WSJ article 5/31) most Sarasota restaurants are offering deals.  Support the promotion, but watch that waistline......

Footnote:  Ariana Grande, along with several recording and performing super-stars, is back in Manchester tonight for a star-studded benefit concert in support of the bombing victims.  When tickets went on sale Thursday, they sold out in 7 minutes!!!!

If you want to watch the show live, The Free Form network channel 444 is carrying the entire performance.  ABC will be repeating that after their NBA playoff coverage.

Pres. Trump's Word of The Week

Thanks for reading....see you next week...JIM












































JIM'S RANT....I am a big supporter of Savor Sarasota.  However, I have a word of caution as you make dinner reservations at your favorite restaurant.  Beware of 

MAY 28, 2017

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2017

Please take a few minutes this weekend to remember those who gave their lives in sacrifice to our country.....

SAVOR SARASOTA RESTAURANT WEEK...Returns this Thursday and runs through 6/14.  A three course lunch will cost you $16 while the same number of courses is $32 for dinner.  With over 80 area restaurants participating, I'm sure you'll find a favorite at their extensive web site.  If you are planning to eat out multiple times, then I suggest downloading the APP, which includes menus from participating restaurants.   Click here to download their App.

Several restaurants are starting early. In fact, The Rosemary began serving their Savor menus today, and plan to extend beyond 6/14.  Unlike many participants, The Rosemary's menus are extensive, and include some of their most popular items.  Trust me you will not leave hungry.  I suggest you call early for reservations, as most favorable seating's will be booked.  Call 941-955-7600.  You can click on here to view both menus. 

Rosemary's Chef Steve

This year marks the 12th of SAVOR SARASOTA.  Along with The Rosemary, and Jack Dusty's, Michael's On East, The Capital Grille, Eupheimia Haye, Hyde Park, Table Creekside and dozens more.   Keep reading throughout the summer, as I will attempt to keep up with the restaurants extending their  promotion.

For those of you still in mourning for last week's Ringling Bros. Circus finale, you're in luck.  Feld Entertainment & The Ringling Museum's summer program begins June 13 and runs through July 29.  This year featuring one of the stars from Circus Sarasota, Bello Nock.  The program is aptly called "IncrediBello!"  He, a world-renowned, gravity-defying comedic daredevil with foot-high hair!

This one hour performance is in The Historic Asolo Theatre.  Tickets are a very reasonable $15 Adult and $12 Child(12 and under).  To order tickets on line just click here. If the phone is your thing 941-358-3180. Or go to box office form 10daily.

Good Enough to Eat!!!

One restaurant not participating  in Savor Sarasota is newly opened BRICK'S BBQ, 1528 State Street. (Some of you may have had samples at Saturday Farmer's Market).  Their menu does not lend itself to that kind of dining; however, if you LOVE BBQ, along with full bar and modern interior, then this is the place for you.

Had dinner there a few weeks ago, and  found the ribs, beef and pulled pork outstanding.  I'd call this an upscale version of Nancy's.  No reservations here, so be prepared to wait during peak hours and weekend.  Their website and logo are a work in progress.

The ODD Couple

Beginning  Thursday on Netflix,  you can stream the 5th season of Frank Underwood's Presidency;  House of Cards returns.  If you're not suffering fatigue from our own election process and it's sorry aftermath then you're really going to enjoy this season as President and Claire Underwood embark on a campaign nearly as bizarre as ours.  Only a television show, shot before and during our election process could be art imitating life.

University's Diverging Diamond

Looking for something to do over the Memorial Day weekend???  Head over to Ellenton's  Premium Outlet Malls exit 224.  We did just that Thursday, before the mad rush.  Even took Diverging  Diamond onto northbound I75, and pleasantly surprised with speed we SAFELY got on expressway.  A vast improvement from opening day Sunday.

Ellenton's Premium Outlet Malls

It's been at least 12 months since last visit, and we picked the right time for this one.  I swear, every store entered  from Saks to Under Armour to Polo to Michael Kors had unbelievable sales.  Discounts from previous discounts; who could come home empty handed????  We didn't!! Open from 10am to 9pm, with extended hours this weekend. 

Parking is sometimes difficult; however, you will always find a space behind Saks.  From there it's shop til you drop!!!

Before my weekly rant, I want to tell you about a landscape lighting company I've had the pleasure of doing business with for over 12 years.  Night Affects  Inc. will design, install and maintain your lighting both front and back for as long as you own your home; and probably after, knowing Mike Flanegin.

Your Pool Area Can Look Like This

It's hard to describe the beauty of our lanai lighting without a picture, but every evening at dusk, I revel in their majesty.  Over the course of these many years, our neighborhood landscape company has either cut a line or hit a light several times.  Without fail, either Mike, Will or Doug have been here the next day to repair the damage.  See Night Affects work for yourselves at their unique web page, by clicking here.  or you can call Mike 941-925-4821.

JIM'S RANT...The deadly attack last week in Manchester put a whole new spin on terrorism.  Targeting children outside an Araina Grande Concert shows the scum will go to any extreme to prevent us from living a normal life.   I can understand Grande's devistation, and  her postponement of a few performances.

But, the show must go on, and as Joe Perry of Aerosmith put it when deciding to continue his tour, "I don't think we want to live like that, or the band wants to live like that, and our fans don't want to live like that..so we've notched it up a bit, and now it's a celebration of freedom and we're not going to stop."   I couldn't agree more!!!!

Ariana Grande is going back to Manchester sooner rather than later.  She is headlining a huge concert in the city a week from today(Sunday).  She will not be alone, as several yet to be named performers will be joining her.  Live Nation will be producing with ALL proceeds going to victims and their families.......

 



It's good to be back...See you next week...JIM



 

MAY 21, 2017

JIM KNOWS SARASOTA IS AWAY FOR THE WEEKEND, BUT WILL BE PUBLISHED AGAIN IN TIME FOR MEMORIAL DAY




 

Already at work for next week's edition!!!

JIM.................