NOVEMBER 20, 2016

 

A Randy Silagy creation

                     HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS


A few weeks ago, I wrote about Florida Studio Theatre  and their first show of the season,  Million Dollar Quartet.  Little did I expect it would open to rave reviews from not only Jay Handelman of the Herald Tribune,  but several blog readers as well.

 Jan Coleman writes "Do NOT miss Million Dollar Quartet.   Everyone in it is superb; however Jerry Lee Lewis is outstanding.  Easily the first hit of the season." 

 Brian and Joan Wides saw the show last week and had this to say "Jerry Lee's antics with the piano were sensational.  The whole ensemble took us happily down memory lane.  One has to remember how great the originals were and how difficult it can be to emulate them."

 Debbie Yonker and Mark Freed write," ...this is not to be missed!  The talent was incredible.   The cast fully deserved the standing ovation from the audience.  We could see it again if only for the encore by Jerry Lee Lewis."
 


There are several publications available throughout SARASOTA with monthly listings of events.  I should know as the Visit Sarasota County desk at UTC has an up to date  ARTS Calendar available as does their location downtown 1710 Main St.  The Observer's Fall SEASON issue may still be available with their winter issue out early January.  The Herald Tribune inserts a similar magazine the first Sunday of  each month.

 

CINE-WORLD Film Festival is history.  Of the four movies we saw only one seems destined to make it back to Burns Court next month.  JACKIE is an extraordinary  look back at Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy's travails  from Dallas to Washington to funeral.  Natalie Portman's portrayal of Jackie is incredible as is the entire movie.  This one will definitely be mentioned around Academy Award time.  Release date is 12/2, with no guarantee it will be here before 2017.


Over-all, I was disappointed with this year's film selection.  Outside of above, there were few  mainstream movies; most were art-house which with our limited screens for those type movies,  will never play here.

  In past years Cine-World was the place to see movies before being released in  general distribution.  This has not been the case for at least three years now. And will Burns Cinemas ever learn that it's difficult to enjoy a movie in a freezer!

While going to Cine-World four of us tried OWEN'S FISH CAMP, and much to our delight the restaurant has improved its food quality and selection substantially.  Service was never a problem, but crowds were and continue to be.  

Open daily from 4, my suggestion is to get there before 5:30 or after 8:30.  Situated adjacent to Burns, the crowd is young and lively.  As is with most Sarasota restaurants, the noise level can be deafening at times. However, after all these years I am able to adjust to noise so long as the food is good; and it is VERY good at OWEN'S.  For reservations of parties of 6 or more call 951-OWEN (6936).

This next item will shock those of you who are familiar with my lunch eating habit of salad, salad, salad.  Good friend and fellow biker Randy Silagy took me to his favorite

fast-food restaurant Steak n' Shake.  Armed with discount coupons for EVERY menu item we drove to nearest location off Bee Ridge and Cattleman.  I was literally knocked over with the quality, taste, variety,  and SERVICE!!  Yes, Steak n' Shake is a sit-down restaurant unlike all their poor imitators. 

Randy's meal with salad $5.99!!

My choice of double Steakburger with Cheese, Fries and Regular Soft Drink was $3.99 with coupon, and was equal if not better than Culver's or Smashburger.  I would rate Five Guys a step or two above, but you cannot beat the Steak n' Shake  price.   Randy had a Shake with his meal, and though I normally do not indulge in shakes, a taste was all it took to convince me: NEXT TIME!!!

Look for Steak n' Shake coupons each month in your mail box or favorite Sunday paper.  And when you go tell them "Randy sent you."  I think he's famous there!!!!

 Like several of you, I am eagerly awaiting the opening of California Pizza Kitchen across UTC in an out-parcel under construction.  Though a continuation of a long list of franchise restaurants in that area, it is still one of the best.  Right up there with Cheesecake Factory.  Saw "now hiring" signs all over UTC and was told hiring now for January 9 training and an anticipated opening of January 23, 2017.

Crowd waiting at Target for "bargains"

BLACK FRIDAY isn't the event it use to be.  So many stores have been bombarding us with BF specials already and with several open on Thanksgiving, no longer is it necessary to stand in line after dinner for bargains.  True, there are door busters beginning at midnight; but only for the first few in line.  Best advice is to wait until further discounts make it  impossible for you to resist buying those gifts.



JIM'S RANT....I know many of you will empathize with this week's rant.....dealing with Comcast via telephone  is a full time job.  One that may take you to The Philippines ,  Milwaukee or Minnesota.  Almost never Florida.  Where I live we actually were given a "dedicated"  phone number!!! BOGUS.  For all the money we are paying for all the channels we do not watch you would think we'd be entitled to better customer service...WRONG... 




 Look who's back this week; former editor Tracy who is responsible for any errors this week.   Just a cameo appearance during her visit to Sarasota.  In closing, eat hearty, shop til you drop, and I'll see you again next  Saturday evening......JIM 

Family celebrates my BIG birthday