DECEMBER 20, 2015

To IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS EVEN AT SARASOTA  FARMER'S MARKET

THIS FRIDAY WE PAUSE TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY AND GET READY FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE A WEEK LATER....

Looking for a fun way of entertaining your friends and family over the holiday.  Then head on down to BLUE ROOSTER at 1525 Fourth Street.  We were there last  Saturday and saw an old time blues master along with some local musicians;  Lazy Lester with Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones.  Almost every night there is some form of entertainment to go along with their Southern Style menu.   Also happy hour daily 5-7 and Sunday a Gospel Brunch featuring Gospel music and an authentic Southern Fare buffet. For more information and a calendar of events click here.


Last week, I wrote about two new and adjacent restaurants in the Shoppes at UTC (Formerly Cooper Creek Shopping Center) ; Fresh Kitchen and Daily Eats.  Contributing Editor Debbie Yonker and Mark Freed recently had lunch at DAILY EATS, and she writes ecstatically,  "......the look is retro-diner along with a modern take on the typical diner food menu. Everything is cooked in house including the turkey.

Breakfast is available all day.  I asked our server if I could get a lox, bagel and cream cheese plate, since the menu had those items but scattered throughout on different dishes.  No problem, and with all components on one plate I had one of my favorite meals.  And, yes, it was delicious.  The owner, who came by the table, is putting this one on the menu to see how it sells.  It will be available from open to close.

There is ample parking and outdoor seating for dining with pets.  I think DAILY EATS is a winner!!!"  Had lunch Friday and heartily endorse Debbie's review.  A real winner for our community. And yes, the lox plate is on the menu; just ask for it!!!

SAILOR CIRCUS Holiday performances begin the day after Christmas and run through December 29th.  This is a wonderful family experience especially for the younger ones.  This circus features students ages 8-18 who are in training to someday join Circus Sarasota which begins its winter performances in February under the big tent at Nathan Benderson Park. 

 I have not seen the name Nik Wallenda as a performer yet, so I doubt he will be here; however even without the family this is an entertaining show which will sell out quickly in its new location.   Sailor Circus is located at The Circus Arts Conservatory 2075 Bahai Vista. For performance times click here or call 941-355-9805.

A new and exciting theater is causing conversation in Sarasota. Appealing to a more discriminate audience and in an in intimate location, URBANITE THEATRE has been getting rave reviews since opening early this year.  Located at 1487 Second Street, across from Whole Foods, this small venue presents plays that make you think and respond. 

LUNGS is currently playing through January 3rd.... "in a time of global anxiety, erratic weather and political unrest, a millennial couple wants a child, but they're running out of time......" As with all productions, adult language is plentiful.  This is cutting edge theater at its best, and if that is your ticket then I suggest you buy one!!  Click here for performance times and information times for remaining shows this season.

As easily predicted here last week, STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS opened to mostly positive reviews ( you can't please all critics, especially those with an axe to grind) and record box-office numbers both here and abroad.  With all the hype, and memories of earlier movies,  Roberta has agreed to see this one, but won't see CREED. Go figure.

How many times this week has your cell or home phone been subjected to unwanted calls?  I'm sure the number is several.   I recently learned of our own FLORIDA DO NOT CALL PROGRAM run by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer services.  Enrollment is simple, but since word is just getting out about this program, relief does not come instantly. We enrolled recently, but it won't go into effect until April due to backlog of subscribers.  To learn inclusions and exclusions to program as well as enroll click here/ 

Here's an item for trivia buffs....What year saw the last full CHRISTMAS moon??? 1977.  It's happening again this year, and it won't happen again until 2034, according to The Weather Channel.  December's full moon is called the "cold moon" because it leads to the coldest and darkest days of winter.  So far, most of the nation, including Florida is experiencing an unusual winter.  Let's hope it continues.

JIM'S RANT...I don't know about you, but I'm happy CNN's Republican Debate is over.  These past few weeks have been filled with Trump, Cruz and the rest ad nauseum.  Give Trump credit for helping create the wall to wall coverage with his daily manipulation of the media.  And, I am happy to see Black Friday finally give way to last minute Christmas sales. Beginning the middle of October, what once was a beautiful time of year has become a media nightmare of advertising.  BAH HUMBUG!!!

As usual,  Tracy has done a terrific job of editing.  And Debbie has again found a new restaurant to review;  this one with many of  her favorite dishes.  Until next week when I will attempt my first best and worst list of 2015 for SARASOTA, and if you have any ideas  please email to  jfox1043@comcast.net.......Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night....JIM 

STILL PLAYING UNTIL NEW YEAR AT BENDERSON PLAZA ON UNIVERSITY PARKWAY