JANUARY 24, 2016

NEXT WEEKEND MARKS THE 13TH ANNUAL ST. ARMANDS CRAFT FESTIVAL......... PLAN AHEAD!

The crowds come early and stay late!!!

This particular event has grown in size and popularity.  Easily the top craft show of the winter season, you will see many favorite artisans from past shows as well as new for this year.  While on St. Armands take advantage of the many shops and restaurants.

Today(Sunday) is the last day to visit Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival located at Five Points Intersection/ Downtown Sarasota.  This one is a unique blending of fresh local seafood, music and visual entertainment.  The food is provided by several local restaurants.  Live musical performances from the genres of rock-and-roll, jazz, calypso, reggae and more.  In addition there will be an outdoor gallery of arts and crafts by regional and national talent.  Open tonight until 7 pm.  If you are reading this mid-week, you missed a good one.  Look for it next year.

Temple Emanu-EL, Sarasota's leading Reform Synagogue  will be celebrating  its 60th anniversary next month.  To mark the occasion they are having a GALA in their newly remodeled Benderson Family Hall.  Music provided by  the Robbie Rose orchestra and a dinner catered by Fete of Lakewood Ranch.


There will also be a surprise drawing at the end of the evening that I am told is something very special.  For more information call Renee Gold at 941-379-3298 or email renee@bert@earthlink.net to get her perspective on event. She'll have you laughing all the way to a table!!  Space is limited so I suggest you book early.


If you are fortunate enough to have tickets to this year's RCLA Town Hall Lecture series, you're in for a great ride.  The first speaker was Michael Eisner.  His career spans from ABC to Paramount Pictures, The Walt Disney Company and currently head of Tornante Company which is providing television entertainment to Netflix among others.


Eisner's adult cartoon comedy, BoJack Horsman marks the first animated original series for  to appear on that streaming service.

The rest of this year's speakers includes Robin Roberts, General David Petraeus and a political discussion hosted by CBS's Sharyl Attkisson with Jim Messina and Karl Rove going at it.  To join RCLA email info@classocation.org.  Sorry to say, this season is a sell-out both morning and evening, but you can join now and get tickets for next year.

If you are attending next week's St. Armands craft show, planning ahead for lunch or dinner would be a wise decision.
 
Blu Kouzina 25 N. Blvd of the Presidents, after a shaky start at the end of 2015, is now one of our best restaurants, serving a complete menu of Greek specialties.  Their fish is flown fresh daily from Greece, and those salads, bread and pita is better than most Greek or otherwise.  Service is quick and responsive to your requests.  A top drawer wine list adds to your experience.

I recommend  calling 941-388-2619 NOW to reserve your table.  They recently added outside seating which on a nice afternoon or evening is the place most of our tourists choose to dine.

If Greek is not your thing, then by all means travel north and attempt to get a table at DRYDOCK.  Nearly impossible to walk in and get immediate seating, the wait is well worth it.  I wouldn't advise traveling there next weekend, but they do take preferred seating requests (when available) at 941-383-1012.  They are located 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, a short drive from the circle.  From complete meals to sandwiches to salads, DRYDOCK is easily the most favorite of all Longboat restaurants.  Located on the water and serving daily 11am-9pm this is one of our Sarasota favorites.

Columbia restaurant, Blue Dolphin and Venizia are just a few of the many restaurants to visit next weekend or whenever on circle or at the beach.

This past week, we revisited  STONEWOOD, one of the earliest University Parkway restaurants. Now with two locations to serve you,  8415 University Parkway and 5415 Stickney Point Rd., their high standard for quality and reasonable prices continue to impress.  Now open for lunch as well, both locations are usually busy and do take either call ahead or reservations.  Their pretzel bread is to die for as is Chicken Pot Pie, Salmon, and most salads.  For a "chain" restaurant , Stonewood, defies that description.  Call ahead and reservations are available at both locations.

 
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN UPDATE..........first phase of construction has begun with a late 2016 opening planned.  It will be located in the area between UTC and Panera in a freestanding out -parcel.  A great addition to the area.  Visiting recently opened Rusty Bucket and will report next week.

JIM'S RANT....Parking continues to be an issue for downtown SARASOTA.  Failed parking meters, three parking garages (including Whole Foods), reduced hours, 2 for lower floors, 4 for higher,  etc., etc., etc.  And here we are today, with the city planning to introduce an app for drivers to remotely lengthen their parking duration in garages by paying for that privilege through the app.  And now they are considering bringing back those ridiculous parking meters. Wonder how many senior citizens will take advantage of  Main St. and beyond?  Simple solution to their budget deficit: charge for all garage parking!!!.......

A big thank you as always to Tracy.  More contributors next week.  Space was limited.  See you the week before SUPER BOWL SUNDAY.....JIM