NOVEMBER 15, 2015

ON NOVEMBER 19 AN EXTRAORDINARY DOCUMENTARY IS SHOWING ON WEDU
VETERANS OF COLOR.....

Having recently seen this movie at a private Ringling College screening, I highly recommend you see it as well. It will be shown again this Thursday, November 19th at 9pm.  You may even recognize some of the veterans, as several are living in the area.

At the same time, CNN is running a documentary from this year's Sundance Film Festival.  Though well reviewed, it received very little attention upon release this spring.  The Hunting Ground interviews victims of sexual assault at colleges around the country. A good time to set that DVR to one or both.  It is very rare to have quality television and even rarer at the same time.

Christmas continues to invade the area even though we are still a few weeks away from Thanksgiving.  Among several Christmas themed shows coming to the VAN WEZEL over the next  weeks are two in particular that have become seasonal Sarasota traditions.  Dave Koz and several guest artists including Bill Medly, one of the Righteous Brothers will appear on Friday November 27th at 8:00PM.  On Friday December 3rd at 8pm  Kenny G will perform his annual Christmas show.  Tickets for these as and more this season are available now.  Click here for a complete season schedule and to purchase tickets as well.

COMING SOON.......5th Annual Longboat Key Gourmet Lawn Party....raising thousands of dollars for local children's charities and youth scholarship.  Presented by KIWANIS Club of Longboat Key and sponsored by Observer.  The lawn party takes place from 12-2pm on Saturday, December 5 at The Resort at Longboat Key Club.  

Admission of $50 gets you entry and a continuous feast donated by some of the areas best restaurants,  but here are just a few....Amore, Chart House, Lazy Lobster, Duval's, Euphemia Hay, Harry's Continental Kitchen and Blue Rooster. For more information call 941-383-0440.

The 27th Annual St. Armand's Circle Fall Arts Festival is in its last day.  Bigger in scope than last year. there you will see many of your favorites and several new artists,  jewelers and craft dealers.  Open Sunday, November 15th from 10AM-5PM.  For a parking space close to the Festival my advice is get there early. Don't worry if you miss this one, there is always another one around the corner; for instance.....

Mark your calendars now for a Christmas gift event at Robarts Arena.  For the seventh year,  America Art Marketing is presenting the SARASOTA CRAFT SHOW December 4-6.  Attracting  participants from all over the country, it is the perfect spot for that tough to buy for friend or relative.   What makes it unique, it is indoors totally away from outside elements and it's not free. Click here for hours and pricing and list of participating artists.




STONE CRAB season is in full swing.  You can get them at restaurants (expensive) food emporiums like Whole Foods or Maggie's at the Farmer's Market.  However, if you want big, juicy and tasty crabs at a reasonable price then I highly recommend STEVE COCHRANE.  A local fisherman,  his stone crabs are fresh, as well as  cracked if requested.  AND, his prices beat them all.  You can phone Steve at 941-921-4627or email him at cochranefam@comcast.net.  He is located off Trail and Stickney Point.

DUVAL'S 1435 Main st. (just a stones throw from Sol's) is getting rave reviews.  My chief correspondent, Debbie Yonker recently had dinner there and writes..."The bartenders poured generous drinks and all the food was delicious.   Both the wedge and Caesar salads were cold, crisp and nicely dressed.  Some ordered appetizers instead of an entree. the crab and shrimp cakes, mussels, eggplant rollantini and steak spring rolls were enough for the group of 6.

Among the dinners were ocean cobb salad, roasted salmon and fish and chips.  All included sides and were delicious.  In addition, unlike most SARASOTA restaurants, Duval's bar menu is available at the table as well. No one left hungry and we will be back again." I am definitely going after reading Debbie's review.  It is 8:30 and we just returned from a wonderful meal at Duval's. It was everything she said and more.  Highly recommend.  Place was packed including outside dining.


Those of you who are awaiting the opening of Tom and Chee this fall, forget about it!!  I walked by the restaurant yesterday, and though the doors were open and air-conditioning running, there were bare walls and floors.  However, there is a now hiring sign, so it may be sooner than I suspect. AND, where art though SOL????

JIM'S RANT....Black Friday sales began a few weeks ago.  Halloween was an afterthought, and now Thanksgiving has disappeared, at least at Starbuck's.  Two weeks ago they introduced A Thanksgiving blend.  It was bold, rich and their best tasting coffee to date.  Equally as good as Pike.  Monday morning, after a walk, I stopped for a cup.  Guess what???? No longer serving.  Now it's their Christmas blend.  Enjoy it while it lasts.  Easter is around the corner. And, their holiday cups are just fine Donald T!!!!

Thanks to Debbie who after a leave of absence has resumed her role of Contributing editor and to Tracy who remains Editor in Chief.  Until next week......JIM

Opening Tues for lunch and breakfast....dinner begins Wednesday

                                     411 N. Orange Ave...941-955-7600.....Click here for menu