MARCH 15, 2017

HERE WE GO AGAIN....TUESDAY IS SET ASIDE FOR PARTY GOERS.....PARTY LOVERS....AND BEST OF ALL BIG DRINKERS

 HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY ....Your favorite pub will be open early and close late so have a ball and celebrate.....

Hat's off to PEDAL FOR PUPS for a very successful event last Sunday.  The day was perfect and the event well run with ample food and drink for everyone.  Mark your calendar for next year's PEDAL, Sunday 3/6....one week before Daylight Savings Time. You can preregister now at this address and save $5 in entry fee by registering early.

If you want to make a contribution send your check to Nate's Animal Rescue 8437 Cooper Creek Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34201.

Last week's rant must have hit a nerve, as several of you replied with your own analysis of our horrible traffic. An anonymous reader  writes: "...Your problem drivers are probably snowbirds who rent cars with FL plates........

  I've been permanent for 8 years, and have watched as more and more snowbirds and tourists, some very short term, come year after year.  I'm sick of it, and LOVE the month of May, by which time most of the snowbirds are gone, the last love bug has died, the weather is great and we have our streets and restaurants back."

While I can agree with some of what Helen writes, the snow-birds, for better or worse, have made SARASOTA one of the go-to spots for vacation and recreation in Florida.  Much of our growth is due to their spent dollars creating more restaurants, shops and entertainment for those of us who live here year round.

For two weeks running, I've featured two accomplished artists whose work can be seen in several SARASOTA locations.  I have a very dear friend whose work is limited to his home, but is as good as any you can find in galleries, shops or museums.  Mickey Fox retired to SARASOTA 15 years ago after a successful career in real-estate.  

To keep his mind and time occupied he has been taking courses in art, jewelery, sculpting and glass,  along with lectures and  all types of classes.  What he has accomplished in a short period of time is remarkable.  He is my hero; I envy his ability to be so creative.  I have trouble drawing two lines together. 

The samples shown here are just a few of the many he has created over the past several years.  There are much more  in addition to these and the one at the end of my RANT,  but what you see here  will give you a good overview of what can be accomplished if you set your mind to it!!! It also doesn't hurt to be talented!!!


BREAKING NEWS....BREAKING NEWS...You are seeing it here before any other SARASOTA publication......In a recent bidding for catering and restaurant service at the Ringling Museum of Art,  TABLESEIDE RESTAURANT GROUP was the winner outbidding current provider Guest Services and Paul Mattison.  For those of you unfamiliar with Tableseide, it is the SARASOTA company for  among others Louie's Modern, Libby's and The Frances.  I can tell you firsthand there will be several restaurant changes including decor, name (Treviso) and menu.  The changeover takes effect July 1.  No timetable for specific changes.


Had a fabulous meal last week at MOZAIC on Main street.  For those of you who have been to this restaurant it should be a must before you leave to go back home.  For those of you who have, you know what I am raving about.  From service, to home made  rolls, appetizer, main course and dessert, you won't find a better place in SARASOTA for that special occasion or a great dinner.

If you were eagerly awaiting the sequel to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel to be at least as good as its predecessor, you will be sorely disappointed.  The same brilliant cast headed by Judy Dench and Maggie Smith even adds Richard Gere  to the mix only to come up short, flat, boring, and a total waste of talent.  If you did not see the first Hotel, you may enjoy this one, but I doubt it. 
 
On the other hand, if you're looking for an under the radar movie playing all over town, see McFarland, USA.   A true story starring Kevin Costner and a cast of unknowns, it  takes you through a wonderful journey of courage and determination.  About a high school cross country team determined to qualify for the state finals and concludes with their back stories after high school graduation.  You MUST stay for closing credits, as their later life  achievements will become even more meaningful to you.


Now open at UTC across from Kona Grill is 4D Gelateria featuring several gelato flavors and desserts that look too good to be true.  When we were there on Saturday, a line had already formed to taste the many flavors.   This company has stores all over Florida, including Naples, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. 
 


JIM'S RANT....What with the Oriole's selling out nearly every game and visitors from Baltimore flocking to our area, you would think someone at SARASOTA  airport would be attempting to get direct flights to and from that area; at least during the winter.  NO WAY!! But a group has formed in an attempt to  make that  happen.   A petition has been started on line with a goal of 1,000 signatures to present to the Sothwest Airlines and airport officials as a dialogue starting point . You can read more and sign the petition here:

Thanks for continuing to read this blog....Until next week...have a good one...JIM

A fitting way to end blog with Mickey Fox's newest glass creation!!!!