SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 20017

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???  SUPER SUNDAY IS FINALLY HERE!!!!

IN A FEW HOURS THE HYPE WILL BE OVER!!!!

 If you haven't been in awhile, Monday is the PERFECT day to visit The Ringling/The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art.  Located 5401 Bay Shore Road, it is easily accessible from wherever you live or are staying; and Monday is FREE day at Museum of Art; though you will have to pay to visit other attractions.

We went a few Monday's ago.  The parking lot was full when we arrived before noon.  After a few circles we found a space and walked into the building.  To our surprise, wrist bands had been eliminated for Monday.  Instead we were greeted by a volunteer who checked off our zip code, and we breezed in.


Their current Gallery of Contemporary Art exhibit is Pathless Woods; an interactive, multi-media installation in which the visitor is invited to walk through a forest of ribbons.  Hard to describe here, but be prepared for lights, music and video as you walk your way through those ribbons.  Worth the trip; even if you have to pay.

Open daily 10:00AM-5:00PM.  Admission includes tram service available with stops located throughout the property. 

Just breaking!!! It was announced this week, the Ringling Museum is teaming up with Feld Entertainment, yes that one from recently shuttered circus, to produce its Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theatre.  Always a sell-out, this year's show is destined for the same fate.  Stay tuned.

While in the area, you're not far from a familiar name among Sarasota restaurants: Captain Brian's Restaurant and Seafood Market.  Fresh fish arrives daily to eat in or take home.  Along with the one of the region's best  salad bars, Brian now offers a full bar to go along with their beer and wine favorites.  Conveniently located 8421 N. Tamiami Trail.

  
There is usually a wait at busy dinner hours; however, we took advantage of a not too well known policy of accepting reservations for parties of 6 or more.   As you can guess from picture, all of us were happy with dinner. PLUS, even in a crowded dining room, you could actually her the person across from you.




 My Romeo group had lunch this week at State Street, located 1533.  We ate in back room which can seat at least 12 comfortably.  Not much has changed since opening in 2013;  well there was a management change, but one would never know it from menu or quality of food.  We had various salads and sandwiches which were all very good.  Their Farmers Market Bloody Mary is excellent, as was the service.

One negative, which has been consistent since opening nearly four years ago is the up-charge for items which I feel should be included.  For instance, their side of Rustic Bread & Flat Bread with "pink sea Salt" is $3!  There is no other bread available.  I cannot recall another restaurant in Sarasota that doesn't offer bread at your table.  In addition, their side of coleslaw is minuscule. When asked, the waiter stated there would be a slight additional charge for another one.  Ridiculous.  However, I still recommend State Street.

Open Tuesday-Saturday lunch and dinner.  Saturday and Sunday for brunch; though a warning about Saturday.  They are extremely busy due to proximity of Farmer's Market.  If you haven't been there recently a lounge has been added and is open daily 4:30-close.  This is a good alternative to Boca;  which has a much younger appeal.   

Letters, I get Letters....Marlene M.  writes"...went to FST today.  Acting excellent.  Story line so true.  Lots of back flash.  I liked it, but didn't love it.  Gary didn't like it."(Brownsville Song)

Jane H. writes..." On your review of CPK, I have to disagree with you.  The service was very good, friendly and caring, but our food was not up to par.  Neither of us cared to finish what we ordered.  Pea soup had no taste.  The food was lacking in flavor.  Manager gave us a small pizza which was delicious.  Need to rethink new menu..." 


Going to a movie this weekend or during the week?  Then, I urge you to see an excellent Michael Keaton playing the role of  McDonald's presumed founder Ray Kroc.  You will learn, as I  did,  Kroc's fascinating life from door to door salesman to owner of one of America's first franchise success stories.  Though slow at first, the story is so compelling I was disappointed to see The Founder end.

 
  


If you weren't paying attention Tuesday,  Phil saw his shadow!! Tradition tells us we will have six more weeks of winter.  However, it should be pointed out Phil's forecasting skills are not always reliable.  His accuracy is about the same as flipping a coin.  In the past 28 years, he has been correct 13 times.  You do the math.
  


JIM'S RANT....A member of my illustrious Romeo group provides me with a rant this week.  It has nothing to do with traffic, weather or the rudeness of people these days.  It has to do with FOOD.  Larry C wonders not why so many restaurants offer gluten free options; but why so few offer diabetic options, which has more in that category than the other.  Could it be one is trendier at the moment????

Larry's wife Jan is also a contributor this week.  She heard Amore Restaurant is closing its Longboat location on 5/31 and moving either to Circle or Downtown.  More in coming months.

If Phil lived in Sarasota he would not have been able to get out from under his shadow this past week.   A spectacular preview of what SPRING is going to bring.  Until next week.....JIM