MARCH 15, 2019

As this is being written, CORONAVIRUS cancellations and suspensions continue to hit my inbox.  The most recent is the 84th Masters.  Already cancelled or suspended are March Madness, MLB, NHL, NBA, Sarasota Farmers Market, Van Wezel, Straz/Tampa, Sarasota Film Festival,  and OLLI classes at Ringling College, with more cancellations to follow.   I too am suspending Jim Knows Sarasota until the fall when we will be virus free.   Stay safe and healthy while enjoying the rest of our beautiful weekend.  


JOIN THE CELEBRATION TUESDAY......

Once a year we all become IRISH for the day and party.   There are several bar/restaurants with special menus featuring corned beef/cabbage and beer.   Along with Main Street's Patricks 1481, Lynches Pub at 19 N. Blvd of Presidents has been celebrating this special day for years.  They were joined last year by IRISH 31, Located 3750 S. Tamiami Trail.  But you don't have to be IRISH to join the celebration. Go for it!

Before enjoying a cold one or corned beef sandwich on Tuesday, March 17,  head to your polling location and vote in our Florida Democratic Presidential Preference Primary to help nominate November's candidate.  We know who will be the Republican nominee, but the Democratic nominee is still to be decided; though Joe Biden seems like a lock.    Remember, you have to be registered as Democrat or Republican to vote in our Presidential primary.  The Primary Election is August 18, and November we ALL vote.

The Rosemary District has seen a construction boom these past several months.  New apartments, condominiums and town houses are under construction all over the place.

Panang Chicken

And while this is going on, new restaurants are joining one of Sarasota's favorites,  The Rosemary, affording us many choices for a casual meal.  One such spot, Spice Station, serving sushi along with a knock-out Thai menu has quickly established itself in the area.  In fact several readers from the Lakewood Ranch area recently told me they "love" Spice Station.

Spice Station 

Their Thai and noodle options are easily shared with the table.  Sushi is individual, but ample for sharing as well.  Wine and beer are available.  It's best to go early or after 7:30, but this time of year there is ample outdoor dining.  Located 1438 Blvd. of the Arts, and open for lunch and dinner.  Parking is either on street or parking lot across street from restaurant.

Ate at Spice Station Friday evening around 7, and though tables were occupied inside and out, there was room for more diners.  It's too early to tell, but other than grocery shopping, people are not venturing out much until the coronavirus outbreak subsides.

Dali Lithograph on Display

Just received email from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens with good news.  Selby remains open during these difficult days; however events scheduled for next weekend have been cancelled due to size of anticipated crowd in confined location.  You can still stroll the gardens and enjoy their Salvador Dali:Gardens of the Mind exhibit throughout the gardens.

Open daily 10:00am-5:00pm, with adult admissions without membership $25, and children 4-17 $15.

BUT, this is an ever changing environment, so be sure to check Selby before venturing out at 941-366-5731.

Went to Regal Hollywood 11 yesterday to see new Ben Affleck movie The Way Back.  Unfortunately, not many others in theatre for the movie, but if you want to get out of the house, The Way Back is worth the trip.  Most theatres are reducing the number of tickets sold to help eliminate spread of virus; however there was no problem yesterday as only a few additional seats were occupied.






JIM'S RANT.......Those of you who have been with me for several years know one of my favorite Sarasota restaurants is Selva Grill; that is until recently.  Armed with an Open Table reservation for 6:30, arrived 5 minutes early only to to informed by unsympathetic hostess we could wait in bar for table availability.  Manager was of no help, and after 20 minutes we were seated.  I'm not going to bore or waste your time with their lame excuses.  The meal, as always, was great, but the evening ruined by attitude of management.....JIM......Thanks for reading........

MARCH 8, 2020

WELCOME TO MORE DAYLIGHT.......

Though losing an hour on Sunday, we gain more daylight, and warmer temperatures in the days ahead.  Enjoy what many consider our best season.

Nik vs. Volcano

I was hesitant to watch Nik Wallenda during his latest ABC stunt, walking over an active volcano.  But when I heard Nik's wife Erendira was joining him in an unannounced capacity, I could not resist.  ABC, Wallenda's network for so many of his live performances devoted countless promotional time and a 2 hour live broadcast. 

 Was it worth watching?  Yes, and if you missed the special it is available On-Demand.  However, many of you didn't watch, and of those who did, many were critical of Nik's harness and oxygen mask.  The ratings for Volcano were miniscule!!  Come April Nik is taking his act to Legoland.

The Stars of Unchained Melodies

One of the more popular Florida Studio Cabaret shows, first performed in 2018,  is back for a limited engagement. 

Beginning next week and running through March 29, Unchained Melodies returns with all its nostalgic music from the 50's and 60's.  Who can forget the hits of our youth: Blue Moon, 16 Candles, Working My Way Back, Cathy's Clown, Everybody's Somebody's Fool, and a whole lot more.  Over an hour of memories, and if you arrive early, their snack or dinner menu is available.

The FST box-office is open daily.  Their phone number for tickets is 941-366-9000 or info@floridastudiotheatre.org.

Longtime Boston Pops conductor, Keith Lockhart, returns to Sarasota next week to lead our Sarasota Orchestra in a program of Beethoven & Bartok.  Performances extend over 4 days and will be playing at either Neel or Van Wezel.  All are evening performances with the exception of Sunday's 2:30 Van Wezel start time.


Lockhart will be holding a question and answer session "Classical Conversation" March 12, 10:30 am.  He will also speak at a Selby Gardens dinner March 10.  For more information, tickets call 941-953-3434, Van Wezel box-office, or SarasotaOrchestra.org.

The Sarasota Orchestra is one of our great cultural treasures, and deserves our support as they search for a permanent Sarasota location.  Hopefully they will reconsider the Payne Park offer, as this seems to be the best option for remaining in the city.



Marlene Meyer and friends are back again today (Sunday) with their Women 1 Show at Raine Studio, 728 Gillespie Avenue.  You'll find one of a kind crafted jewelery, unique handbags, crafted napkin rings, fine art and lots more.  Take a sip of wine, cup of coffee, water and a sweet or two as you shop for that special gift.

Sunday March 8 2:00PM-5:00PM.

The Sarasota Spring Art Festival continues today(Sunday) 10-5 at JD Hamel Park at Gulfstream and Main.


Spring officially begins later this month on Thursday the 19th;  but All Faiths Food Bank is already thinking summer.  Please join us Sunday March 29 for their 3 mile Walk to End Summer Hunger!  Beginning 8am at JD Hamel Park, the walk will take you over the Ringling Bridge and back.  Entrance fee is $10 adults, $5 children and includes a t-shirt and lite breakfast.

Register by March 20 at allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941-379-6333.  Hope to see you on the Bridge.

The Jazz Club's annual Trolley & Pub Crawl is Wednesday.  Get aboard for a night of music and drink.  Trolley and tickets are available Wednesday 5:00-6:30 at the north end of the Van Wezel parking lot, Salute, Amore or sarasotajazzfestival.org.  View a list of participating pubs here.






JIM'S RANT....Traffic congestion, always a problem this time of year, became an even bigger headache this week with new Fruitville Rd. closure and revised traffic pattern on US 41.  Getting off Longboat Key is far easier than travelling north on the Trail after crossing the bridge.  You would think a project of this magnitude would be better suited for a June start.  Poor planning by our Department of Traffic and Transportation....JIM.....Thanks for reading.....see you next week......

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