FEBRUARY 19, 2017

CELEBRATING PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND...SALE AFTER SALE...ENJOY

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE 8TH ANNUAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL MARCH 12-19, 2017

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, along with several major sponsors are bringing ELEVEN great films for this year's Festival.  And, all will be screened multiple times at Hollywood 20-giving you no excuses for missing any of them!!  Most have either received a nomination at another Festival or have actually won several awards.

For a complete schedule, including special events click here. You can also purchase advance tickets here as well.

Sol in his first Main St. location

Less than 2 months ago Sol's NYC Delicatessen,  for the second time short of  2 years,  closed its doors and promised to return in a new "secret" location.  The "secret" is out.  Sol is reopening this week inside the Il Pancifico restaurant at 6644 Gateway Ave in Gulf Gate. 

 Along with their variety of pizzas, calzones, signature sandwiches and pastries;  you now will be able to purchase Sol's reuben, pastrami,  corned beef sandwiches, and for dessert his cheese cake.   Almost like a mini eatery!!!  Sol states "the third time is the charm. " 

Nik Wallenda at Circus

Circus Sarasota was as good as advertised.  The finale featuring  Nik Wallenda along with members of his family was breathtaking to watch.  With the recent rehearsal accident fresh in everyone's mind, you could literally hear a pin drop as the family began its presentation.  Friend Randy called the experience "surreal".  I can't top that.  If you haven't purchased tickets do so now  by clicking this link. Performances extend though 3/5.


The year was 1987.  A new restaurant opened at 1212 East St.  THIRTY years later, Michael's On East has become one of a handful of  Sarasota "go-to" restaurants for lunch, dinner, parties or catering.  Their Wine Cellar has become an intimate destination for those parties.  Recently I was a  guest at birthday brunch in Cellar.  For a restaurant not known for breakfast, Michael's put on one heck of a spread.
 
The menu is elaborate with selections ranging from salads as simple as Caesar  to Michael's Famous chopped salad.  Most restaurants call a menu item  "famous"; but only Michael's can get away with it.  Be sure to save room for  one of their home-made desserts.   Open for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday.  For reservations call 941-366-0007 or go to their web-site for lunch and dinner menus.

Our part of the state is  once again hosting several baseball teams for Spring Training.  The Baltimore Orioles, right here at Ed Smith Stadium 700 12th St.  Sarasota, Pittsburgh

Pirates in Bradenton,  Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte and soon to join them Atlanta Braves in North Port.  

The Orioles are encouraging you to watch practice on their back fields through February 23.  Exhibition games begin Friday.   The first home game is a week from Sunday, when the Orioles host those Pirates .  The regular season kicks off April 2 with 3 games, including Cubs at Cardinals.  Seems like only yesterday I was celebrating a World Series victory.


                                                   THE COLOR OF DREAMS/Marc Chagall
 

Glass- House Conservatory

For the next six months,  Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is home to an exhibit worthy of any major city in this country.   Marc Chagall's little known connection to flowers and nature are on grand display here.

Your trip begins in a glass- house conservatory where you will wonder at replicas of Chagall's stained-glass windows.

Next, featured  in the Gallery,  Chagall's 1937 masterworks painting,  'The Lovers", on loan from the Israel Museum, Jerusalem, along  with two privately loaned, never before displayed paintings from late in his career.  Included in this exhibit are Chagall ceramic vases, archival photos, and outdoor scenes reminiscent of the French Rivera.  

Finally,  walk the grounds which have been enhanced with flora, evoking the south of France.

Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series

The Marsh family went Monday and were still talking of their experience several days later.  They did tell me the Gardens were packed, so if  you are here for a short visit then by all means go before you leave.  If not, you have until July 31. Open Monday Presidents Day.


One of the area's biggest craft shows takes place this coming Saturday and Sunday February25-26.
The Siesta Key Craft Festival stretches from 5124 Ocean Drive for blocks of jewelry, arts, craft, food, entertainment and lots more.  Click here for list of vendors.

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JIM'S RANT....After experiencing a sixth year of record-setting tourism, Florida's House of Representatives is considering legislation to shut down the agencies responsible for that growth.  This action would probably eliminate an untold number of jobs, while at the same time put the state at risk of tourist stagnation.  Their rationale are a few "questionable" contracts.  Ridiculous.......


Our beautiful weather continues this week..enjoy the sunshine...Until next week....JIM

Couldn't resist!!!