SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2013

This morning (Sunday) at 2 am we turned back the clocks ending daylight savings time and moving into a period of shorter days and longer nights.  If you forgot, lucky you!!  You just gained an hour.

November marks the "Dawning of a New Season" or as the Sarasota Orchestra calls it, the debut of Anu Tali in her first concert as music director.  It also marks the orchestra's 65th anniversary.  This Friday through Sunday, the first Masterworks concerts include Eller's gorgeous Dawn, Rachmaninoff's passionate Rhapsody, and finally Dvrak's Symphony Number 7, a piece the composer called "capable of moving the world."  Tickets can be purchased for as little as $30.  For more information on Masterworks as well as all the programs click here.

Restaurant news........DRY DOCK, though still under construction is now open for dinner.  I went there last week, and the food as well as the outside dinning view of the bay was spectacular.  For those of you coming back for the season, DRY DOCK is very good at honoring call ahead seating; which I highly recommend.

Opening tomorrow (Monday) in the former home of defunct Red Elephant, is former Main St. restaurant, HALF SHELL OYSTER HOUSE. It will be open for lunch and dinner daily and Sunday brunch, they have expanded their menu from oysters to pasta, burgers, salads and fresh catch sea food.  I will have a review for you in a few weeks.


For the young adult downtown or anyone young at heart  SOCIAL eatery and bar located 1219 First Street across from the shuttered Ceviche is the place for you.  It took the better part of a year to get it right, but the decor and ambiance, especially the outside bar area which is as comfy and cozy as any you've been to in Sarasota, makes this a wonderful place to socialize with cocktails or snacks before or after a movie. 

The current menu is being revised as I write this.  I do know one of the more popular dishes, vegetable lasagna is gone,  but pasta, pizza, soup and several meatball items remain.   I will wait a month and revisit when menu is finalized.

Next week, in addition to my reviews, I have several from readers and will share those with you.  It seems like I eat out every night, but I don't.  So if you have a restaurant favorite please email jfox1043@comcast.net with your review.

I recently had computer issues and  asked Computer Advantage to recommend someone they use for non-Apple products.   Kinetic ProTech was the first name they offered, and I am glad they did.  Alan Rowley answered the call, cleaned up the computer to where it works as good as  new.   Alan is efficient, reliable, dependable, and most of all KNOWLEDGEABLE in all matters related to computer.  You can learn more about Kinetic by clicking here or call 941-462- 9127.

This afternoon 11-3 Phillipi Estate Park in support of all faiths food bank, BOWLS OF HOPE once again is offering a chance to help a good cause while at the same time giving YOU something back.  For only $25 you will receive a beautifully handcrafted bowl to keep.  Using that bowl you will be able to feast on soup donated by some of our finest SARASOTA restaurants....Bijou Cafe, Broken Egg, Cafe L'Europe, Michael's on East, Morton's Gourmet&Catering, Whole Foods Market, Sharky's On The Pier and many more.

Bread, dessert and light beverages are included along with live entertainment.  Tenting is set up for sun, and the weather forecast for today is sunny and mild so you have little excuse, other than football (the BUCS play a late afternoon game today) to avoid this wonderful annual event.



SATURDAY LAKEWOOD RANCH POLO CLUB
TICKETS $60 FOOD/WINE 1-4

Mark your calendar for next weekend's 12th annual Suncoast Food and Wine Festival There are over 40 area restaurants participating  as well as wine samplings from many of your favorite vineyards.   This event is always well attended, so my advice is to get there early.  To view a list of food and wine vendors click here.





Shopping reminder, as if you need one.  NORDSTROM RACK officially opens its doors Thursday.  Located in the Cooper Creek Shopping Center along with many restaurants and other fine retailers, this is SARASOTA'S first Nordstrom. One can only hope for the BIG one!!!

  

The 25th anniversary of  St. Armands Circle Arts Show begins Saturday.   Running through Sunday it brings together some of the nations best artisans displaying and of course selling pottery, paintings, jewelery, posters and so much more.  While at the show you can also take advantage of many casual restaurants on the Circle.

JIM'S RANT.....snowbird season has begun.  You can feel it as you drive around the city.  Not so much the increase in traffic.....NO...the increase in bad drivers.  They come here from every state and many countries with their own traffic laws.  Now, more than ever pay attention while driving.  And remember, while we now have a non-texting while driving, many states don't......

Editor Tracy has done her usual fine job.....until next week....JIM