OCTOBER 4, 2015

DO NOT TRY REACHING ME WEDNESDAY NIGHT.....MY FAVORITE TEAM WILL BE PLAYING IN PITTSBURGH TO DETERMINE THIS YEAR'S NATIONAL LEAGUE  WILD CARD

Most of you who faithfully read this blog week in and out, must know by now that all Chicago teams get my undivided support...one in particular is the CUBS.   Growing up SEVEN blocks from Wrigley Field and going to grammar school two blocks away, you can only imagine how many games I saw during my 30 years in Chicago.  But, this one is special.  No one saw it coming and no matter what happens, I know 2016 will be even better!!!!  GO CUBS

IMPORTANT REMINDER:  Be sure to pick up this week's Observer with their Fall Quarter SEASON magazine.  Most of the major market events are listed in an easy to handle slick magazine inside the paper.  Jim Knows Sarasota highlights what's happening each week.  SEASON has it all. You can pick up a copy all over town including Publix.

Now onto one of  my favorite features : where to eat!!!   Two week's ago we discovered a restaurant that has been open for 3 years, but somehow, even though recommended by several friends, we didn't make the trip.  Our error.  On Fourth Street, just west of Orange, sits THE BLUE ROOSTER.  We've since made our second trip and have plans for a third in a few weeks.

WHY???  The Southern comfort food is so delicious you crave for more.  And those hot biscuits!! WOW!!  Fried Chicken to good old  fashioned meat loaf with smashed potatoes to hearty stew, gumbo and much more.  Everything we tried was equally delicious. 

Rooster also offers a Sunday Gospel Brunch that sells out quickly.  My advice is to make reservations early; especially in season. in addition to Gospel there is live entertainment at least 6 nights a week with mostly blues groups, but jazz, soul and soloists  featured as well.

 For menu and entertainment calendar click here. 

Located around the corner from now shuttered Darwin's whose closing excuse of homeless problems was a figment of his imagination and not the real reason he closed.....my opinion!!!

But as we discover Rooster, word comes that another restaurant on Orange and 4th has closed its doors.  Savory Street, once a neighborhood gem for breakfast and lunch as well as one of the most creative dinner menus in town is gone.  Under absentee management for several months, a recent visit was a total disappointment.    Hopefully a new owner will step forward and recreate what was once a fine restaurant.

Many of us have been to the SARASOTA Farmers Market.  Even today (Saturday) the crowds were large for the rainy spells.  Their annual attendance figures surpass 500,000 and  are climbing.  Due to the cost of security, crossing guards, entertainment and on-site-port-o-lets expenses continue to escalate.  In order to raise funds and create a good time at the same time, the Market is presenting AN EVENING UNDER THE STARS...Saturday October 25, 5-9 at Payne Park Auditorium.  The evening will include music with food by Mattison's, all for a donation of $75 per person. Call 941-225-9256 or  visit their web site for more information

Currently playing at Burns Court Cinema is a terrific movie that is both historic as it is entertaining.  Featuring Toby Maguire, Lieve Schreiber and Peter Sarsgaard, Pawn Scarifice,  is the true story of the unforgettable chess match between American Bobby Fisher and Russian Champ, Boris Spassky.  More than a chess match,  the film  is a character study of Bobby Fisher and what a nut job he was.  I know some of you will  remember the event as I did.  Totally entertaining cinema.


It seems like every week I learn something new and exciting about the arts in SARASOTA.  This week, a good friend who is active in the community, Toby Kline,  sent me information about an actual  organization whose daily function is to promote every discipline of the arts.  Through research, funding, advocacy and opportunity this organization actively keeps the arts visible on a daily basis.

In an effort to get younger people interested and involved  Sarasota Culture Collective has been created. This organization is designed for young adults ages 21-39.  A membership is only  $99 annually.  With membership they get A ticket with exclusive pre or post show events at each of the participating organizations: Asolo Repertory Theatre, The Sarasota Ballet, Circus Arts Conservatory, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, and The Ringling.  To learn of the numerous benefits of membership and to join or join for a friend or relative as a gift click here.

TELEVISION ALERT!!!!  If you are into the bizarre, unusual, suspenseful along with comedic moments then you don't want to miss this season's AMERICAN HORROR STORY/HOTEL.

The cast is eclectic....Lady GaGa, Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett, Matt Bomer, Chloe Sevigny and more.  The fifth year promises to surpass, Haunted House, Freak Show, and the others preceding this one.  You can catch Hotel, Wednesday at 10 on FX

JIM'S RANT....There has been much conversation about the recent restaurant sales and closings.  Of three that come to mind, MOORE'S, DRY DOCK and LUCKY PELICAN, the only one changing menu and environment is Moore's.  I have been to Lucky Pelican and it's business as usual.  Gecko's has committed to keeping Dry Dock's current menu. And I personally think a change at Moore's was long overdue.......don't let new ownership keep you away from popular restaurants.....

As we head to Halloween in a few weeks be sure to get your costume ready.  The big one this year has to be Donald Trump.....Thanks again to Tracy....See you next week....JIM

The Donald Trump wig available at Walmart

 AND IF YOU ARE READING NOW (SATURDAY) SNL BEGINS ITS 41ST SEASON TONIGHT WITH GUEST HOST MILEY CYRUS 11:30 NBC