APRIL 26, 2015

PUT YOUR HATS ON AND GET READY FOR THE FIRST BIG EVENT OF SPRING!

Many of my readers have left to attend the event.  Some are still here and will watch at home or at the dog track.  Wherever you go have a great time.  If you're looking for a pick here....FORGET IT....I have no idea which horses are even running this year!!

On Tuesday, May 5 take your family and friends to your favorite Mexcian Restaurant for a celebration of CINCO DE MAYO.  A good excuse to drink Mexican beer and splurge on your favorite taco, enchilada, beans, rice and more.  El Toro Bravo 2720 Stickney Point Rd, a few blocks from Swift is as good as it gets for real authentic Mexican meals.
 

Seems like a week doesn't go by when a new restaurant opens.  BURGER AND BEER JOINT across from KONA GRILLE in UTC opened last weekend to big crowds.  After a lunch of wedge salad and sliders with fried mushrooms, I would say the attention they are getting is justified.  Below is a link to their menu.  I suggest you review before going.  there are so many choices OR you can create your own.  As for the Iceberg Wedge, the large is easily shared.  It is delicious and for the price best value in town. Click hereto see the menu.


I do know a good book; especially if you like mysteries and are a fan of Harlan Coben.  His new one, The Stranger, is another in a long line of unusual stories that keep you guessing until the end what in the world is happening.  I could not put it down.  And, if you have not read The Girl on The Train, which I recommended weeks ago, this is another one that you can't put down.  It remains #1 on all best seller lists after several weeks in publication.

Those of us who attended June Le Belle's SILL MUSIC MONDAY series were treated to a wonderful interview and performance by Brandon and Rich Ridenour.  This father and son team were exceptional and unlike other performances everyone stayed until the last note sounded on Brandon's trumpet. 

 GOOD NEWS.....They are back Saturday 7:30 (long after The Derby) and Sunday 2:00 and 7:00pm as part of the Artist Series Concerts in the Historic Asolo Theatre at the Ringling Museum of Art.  Joining them is special guest soprano Maria Bonde.

Titled "TRUMPET INVASION" it is sure to be  one of the most interesting events of this year's Artist Concert Series.  Tickets are $25-45 and can be purchased at box office or phone 941-360-7399.

Mother's Day is around the corner.  Several restaurants, clubs and hotels are offering brunch; which is a tradition in SARASOTA and most cities. I had brunch at AMORE on Longboat Key a few weeks ago.  If you like your brunch with an Italian flavor you can't pick a better place.

  How do I begin to describe what delicacies that await you?  Of course there is an omelet station.  Of course there is a carving station with as good roast beef you can get anywhere.  And all the traditional Italian dishes from pasta to lasagna, salads and more.  And if you haven't exploded there is a dessert station which is indescribable.  Mother's Day price for adults is $34.95 and $15 for children 12 and under.

If you have not ordered your tickets to Saturday May 9th ORCHESTRA IN THE OUTFIELD, the Sarasota Orchestra's annual outdoor concert at Ed. Smith Stadium, I suggest you do it NOW!! A sellout last year, it is close to one again.   Local artist,  Seyesha will be singing as part of the orchestra's tribute to America Idols like Garland, Wonder, Armstrong and Sinatra.  The program is followed by a gigantic fireworks display.   to order tickets on line click here.
 

For those of you in need of a good adult movie, go see the current Helen Miren The Woman  in Gold now in wide distribution.  Based on the book The Lady in Gold  it tells of one woman's determination to get paintings confiscated by the Nazi's back to this country for the Free World's enjoyment.  She has to sue the Austrian Government to do so, and against all odds succeeds.  Ryan Reynolds in an understated role as attorney is also terrific.


Next weekend's sports lineup includes afore mentioned  The Kentucky Derby along with the conclusion of the NFL Draft, and the biggest boxing fight in years Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs.  Manny Pacqiao for the World Welterweight Championship.  Billed as The Fight of the Century it will surely gross a record for a  live and pay per view event.   Also 100 million dollars are expected to be bet on fight.  In addition, playoff basketball, hockey and baseball continue.  What a weekend to stay home, grab a brew and become the couch potato you always wanted to be.

JIM'S RANT...Our Saturday walking group ventured to Nathan Benderson Park where we were greeted by 1,700 competitors in the annual FSRA Championships.  Add parents, coaches and others, and now you know why all rooms and restaurants in the area have been wall to wall since Friday.  Is it any wonder why so many of us support this venue not only for the dollars generated, but for the free publicity received  throughout the state and country.  So much for all those anti-newspaper letters.  The benefits reaped by city state and county outweigh all the negatives and then some!!! For event information click here.

Thank you Tracy and all of you for reading....see you next week...JIM

The Wides family enjoying a drink and a day in sunny Florida