SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2013

In an effort to attract arts and cultural tourists to the area, a new website promoting SARASOTA County's offerings is now available.  BUT, for those of us who live here the site offers an opportunity to search for entertainment, arts, festivals, architecture and attractions that make SARASOTA one of the best places to live and visit in Florida. To see all the wonderful things happening in and around Sarasota click here.

One of America's leading regional theaters, ASOLO REPERTORY announced its 2013-2014 schedule this week in an elaborate brochure sent to subscribers.  You already know about Showboat which opens the season November 15 and runs through December 29.  It only gets better with last season's Tony Award winning play,  Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike opens in January and runs with several of the other shows through April 13.  If it is as good as last year's Clybourne Park production, this is one you do not want to miss.

Among the other offerings are The Grapes of Wrath adapted by Frank Galati...enough said...Philadelphia Here I Come, 2012 Tony nominee for best play Other Desert Cities and a spring musical HERO: The Musical. Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale. Click here to order now.

Coming via email last week was FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE winter season announcement of its Mainstage and Cabaret schedule for 2013-2014 only adding to the anticipation for the coming season.  I already told you about the opening production of Monty Python's Sapmalot, still another Tony winner to be presented in repertory.  Along with Spamalot is Thurgood, a one man show recreating Thurgood Marshall, Daddy Long Legs and Two Point Oh.  The Cabaret schedule begins with music from the 50's and 60's...The Prima Donnettes.For dates and subscriptions click here.  Single tickets go on sale at a later date.

The SARASOTA ORCHESTRA kicked off its season last week  in Holley Hall featuring Conductor Dirk Meyer and the Chamber Soirees Series.  Much more to come including the first Great Escapes Concerts October 16-19  titled MAD MEN.  If you watch the TV show of the same name it is set in the 60's and the concerts will include music from that era including The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and Duke Ellington.

I am switching gears from culture to eating!!!  George and Janet Miles have been busy since their return to SARASOTA.  They recently dined with friends at Cafe Gabbiano on Siesta Key.  George writes..."The ambiance was terrific, just like Italy.  The meal was delicious with a wide selection of wines to pair with any dish.   I had linguine with seafood and red clam sauce.  I recommend highly if you want to dine in Italy without the travel expenses."

For several years Nellie's Deli has been serving In-Between Bridge players with lunch before games.  Also offering  catering and take out, Nellie's, located on Beneva and Fruitville is easy on the pocket book offering homemade soups, salads, corned beef, pastrami, fresh baked pastries and more.  If you're looking for a quick bite, Nellie's is the place.  They are open for breakfast as well and carry out stays open until 6 Mon-Sat.  Simple, quick, inexpensive and good!!

After extensive renovation, Hob Nob is once again open and serving their famous burgers, salads, grouper sandwiches and daily specials.  Somehow they have managed to keep the old atmosphere while making everything shiny and new.  When first reported, the renovation cost was $500,000.00.  If so, they did not get their monies worth. Nothing much has changed; except the place is CLEAN with new wall tiles and tables. However, it is still fun to eat outside next to bankers and bikers;  Fords and BMW's.  Noisy from 301 traffic, it's still worth the trip for good inexpensive fun food.

Opening this week on Main St. a few doors west of Mozzarella Fella is WHITE ROSE Interiors.  Filled with wonderful accessories for your home or office, White Rose is a unique addition for that area.  Furniture, accessories, linens and great gift ideas for the coming season are in ample supply.  Get a bite at Fella and walk a few steps to browse.  Convenient and unique.

 Fall brings cooler temperatures along with adult movies.  I saw two last weekend and recommend both.  PRISONERS with an ensamble cast sure to be nominated for at least a Golden Globe and possibly several  Oscars,  is taught, tense and exciting while moving at a pace that allows you to follow all the twists and turns of the plot.  Basically, while enjoying Thanksgiving dinner,  two young daughters of Hugh Jackman and Terrance Howard are kidnapped.  The investigation proceeds at too slow a pace for  who  Jackman loses faith with Jake Gyllenhaal and takes matters into his own hands.  Though over 2 hours, the action never lags and you will be rewarded with a fine piece of film making.


 A totally different kind of movie is currently at the Burns.  A documentary SALINGER, through interviews and stock footage,  it recreates the life of one of this century's greatest authors, J.D. Salinger whose 1951 masterpiece Catcher In The Rye is still a best seller today.  It was a must read then, and because of this movie, for me at least, a must read again.  A very strange man much affected by his WW2 experiences, he disappeared to New Hampshire to write, but not publish several novels.  Leaving his works to a trust, the movie reveals a 2015 publication date for the Catcher sequel.  Cannot imagine the sales for that one.

Next week I will review ENOUGH SAID also at Burns.  It is charming and wonderful.

OOPS!!!!! My Emmy predictions sucked!  At least I got BREAKING BAD correct.  Tonight is the finale of this remarkable series.  Walt and Jesse are both doomed, but how they go is worth watching.  AMC with their Mad Men, Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy and others continues to challenge the viewer's intelligence with stories that go way beyond those of the three major networks.  TONIGHT MARKS THE RETURN OF HOMELAND on Showtime along with The Good Wife on CBS.  Get that recorder  ready!!!

Since Jim Knows SARASOTA is delivered on Saturday, you have time to catch tonight's opening Saturday Night Live with guest host Tina Fey and musical guest Arcade Fire,  several new cast members and some surprise cameos.   If not tonight, surely ON DEMAND sometime this week. 


This Tuesday, PMP/Suncoast as part of Ruby Tuesday Community Give Back Program  receives 20% of your check at the 8306 Tourist Center Drive location only.Go to their website and click on RubyTuesday. Print flyer and bring to restaurant for discount. 100% of the giveback amount is donated directly to PMP/Suncoast.


JIM'S RANT this week coincides with the arrival of the no texting while driving law.  Hope it's enforced like the speed limits on University, Fruitville or other major streets.  Cameras now capture a red light violation at certain intersections; unfortunately only a few of those exist.   If I sound cynical, I am.  Drivers are becoming more and more reckless and the police seem ill equipped or preoccupied to do anything about it.  Do yourself a favor...don't speed...don't text while driving...and be cognizant of the violators around you.....

The weeks really fly from one blog to another; Tracy can attest to that.  Since George Miles renegotiated his contract, Tracy is making veiled threats for an improved contract.   She does a great job, is underpaid, and will continue to be so.........JIM