DECEMBER 25, 2016

IT'S UNUSUAL TO CELEBRATE HANUKKAH AND CHRISTMAS  ON THE SAME 
WEEKEND......BUT HERE WE ARE!!!!

Eight  days for Hanukkah while all the Christmas celebrating will be over tonight.   Seems like only yesterday we were preparing for Thanksgiving.  Now here we are with one week left in 2016.  So lets make the best of it and see what this week has to offer.....

I had the opportunity to witness  first hand what I've been raving about for several weeks now, and was not disappointed.  Seeing Million Dollar Quartet on Friday and then Guys And Dolls on Saturday was easily the best weekend of Sarasota theatre I can remember.  Both shows deserve the hype you've read here since they opened.

Crap Shooters...ALL

This is the last week for Guys And Dolls. It cannot be extended. Tickets do remain for several performances, but only at the box office, or by calling 941-351-8000. This Asolo Rep production tops last year's West Side Story; quite a feat  for a show that could be considered by those of us who saw the original, "dated."

Who remembers Stubby Kaye?  He was in that original Broadway production.   Then came Nathan Lane.  But in the hands of talented Todd Budnopane, Nicely-Nicely Johnson takes on a new dimension in the show stopping Sit Down, You're Rocking The Boat.  In addition, the staging, scenery, costumes and orchestrations are Broadway quality.  

Elvis, Jerry Lee, Cash, Perkins

You have a few weeks leeway to see Quartet at The Gompertz.  FST always has stand-by seats for sale; in fact that's how we saw this one on Friday.  Two aisle seats, maybe 10 rows from the stage.  Again, the box office or by phone is your seat strategy 941-366-9000.

In a smaller venue, Quartert is better than the production seen a few years ago at Van Wezel.  The entire ensemble is outstanding, but no one plays Jerry Lee Lewis like Brandyn Day.  What an amazing young talent.  A real treat for this holiday season.

HOPE YOU GOT ALL YOUR SHOPPING DONE IN TIME

A small downtown Bradenton breakfast and lunch"joint", Sage Biscuit Cafe,  is getting lots of attention from newspaper reviews as well as Sarasota diners.  Good friends, Pam and Randy Silagy went and sent their own....."the food is very good.  Surprised a small place like this has such a large variety of items on their menu.

Pam's Mediterranean

Rye bread passes the not-fall-apart test along with excellent corned beef as well.  Pam had a Mediterranean skillet  with spinach, onions, roasted red peppers, olives, feta, potatoes, two eggs and biscuit. Outstanding." Sounds overwhelming to me!

Both would go back if in the area.  However  it's a long trip just  for breakfast and lunch.

Located at 6656 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, Sage is open daily 7am-3pm.  You can call them at 941-792-3970 By clicking here, you will be taken to a web-site befitting a high end restaurant. Menu is available as well. 

 If going, Randy and Pam suggest giving yourselves ample time since parking is a challenge.

TELEVISION ALERT

  60 MINUTES Tonight(Sunday)is featuring an exclusive HAMILTON segment with the original Broadway cast....

Another Must See Television event  is  Tuesday night on CBS. The 39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors airs 9-11.  Hosted by Stephen Colbert, this year's recipients include Al Pacino, James Taylor, Mavis Staples, Martha Argerich, and the Eagles. 

 Nominated last year, the Eagles had to delay their acceptance due to the illness and eventual passing  of founder Glenn Frey.   I don't have a list of participants, but you can count on Carol King, Phil Collins, Jennifer Hudson, Sheryl Crow, Bob Seger and Yo Yo Ma  to perform.

This week's  traditional restaurant will celebrate their 5th  anniversary next May!!!  In that short time, Mozzarella Fella,  has not only  become a lunchtime favorite,  thrived with their catering, attract long lines for carry-out, but now  during season are open for dinner as well.  The menu is still full of great Italian sandwiches, salads, pasta and daily specials.


Located 1668 Main St. and very near the new location of  Visit Sarasota County, with the following hours: Mon/Sun 11am-5pm; Tues-Sat 11am-9pm.  Wine and beer available at all meals.  Not lots of seating, though there are a few tables for outside dining.  Bottom line, if you are looking for something quick, reasonable and DELICIOUS, you've come to the right place...Mozzarella Fella. For carry-out call 366-7600.

Those of you planning of attending the opening performance of Violins of Hope procrastinated too long....Sold Out!!!  However, several events are available as well as sponsorships.  For more information call 941-371-4546 or click here for a complete list.

 

 JIM'S RANT......No rant this week....have a glorious holiday in Paradise.  Let's work hard to  keep the good will and happiness these holiday's bring throughout 2017......See you next year....