MARCH 12, 2016

WELCOME TO SPRING AND DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Friday, we all become IRISH for the day.  Say hello to the world of  Saint Patrick's Day.......

 


There are several Irish Pubs kicking off the day at 11:00 am, and going well past midnight.  One that comes to mind, Lynches Pub & Grub 19B North Blvd. of Presidents, St. Armands Circle 941-388-5568.  Their  festivities start early and go all day until close...real late!!!  Along with a plentiful supply of beer, alcohol , and wine, there is corned beef, cabbage and a whole slew of Irish themed dishes.  For a link to menu click here.


As I write this story an email dropped from one of our favorites, The Rosemary.  George Armstrong is preparing a special menu, including corned beef and cabbage.  He's accepting reservations at 941-955-7600.

Enjoy and watch your intake!!!

Cotton Candy?  Pop Corn?  The 81st Annual Sarasota County Fair takes place at their Fairgrounds Fruitville/Ringling  starting Friday through March 26.  If you're OK with big crowds, dig Midway rides, into all kinds of exhibits,  and yes good old fair food, then you're in luck.  A great place to take those grand kids on Spring Break for a fun afternoon or evening.

Better act fast if you want to participate in the 4th Annual PEDAL for PUPS.  Joined again this year by the very popular DOGGY BONES 5K and 10K runs.  The date is Sunday March 19 at beautiful Nathan Benderson Park.  That's where all the activities begin and end. 

Breakfast  lunch, beer and entertainment.  You can register on-site beginning at 7:00am and won't have to wait long for bike events that kick off at around 7:45, with run and walk following throughout the morning.  Or you can sign up now,  just click here. Search events in Sarasota. Pedal for Pups pops up and the rest is simple.

This event is in support of Nate's Honor Animal Rescue, a one of a kind rescue and adoption model.  Honor provides pets with a safe, happy and healthy place to live until they can find their home forever homes.  To date thousands have been saved and adopted.
   
A recent culinary discovery of mine was  KNICK'S, an  unpretentious bar/restaurant on Osprey in Southside Village.  I've passed by many times, and overlooked.  No More!!!   A few weeks ago, we had our own dinning experience and came away wanting more.


What  I never expected to find in a small and intimate location, was such an elaborate menu.  From appetizers, to soups salads, to sandwiches,  along with special entrees, I dare you to leave hungry or unsatisfied. 

Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Fri, dinner only on Saturday, and  closed Sunday.  They do take reservations  for either inside or outside dining at 941-955-7761.  For a look at their lunch and dinner menus click here

Alan Cumming put on quite a show at Van Wezel a week ago.  He was intimate, charming and very entertaining.  His performance had the feel of a cabaret act; which in essence it

Alan Cumming in Cabaret

was, since most of the songs came from several NY  performances at Cafe Carlye.

Maybe a few more songs to go along with his touch on life;  but he gave us 90 plus minutes of entertainment.   Cumming left the stage after an encore to standing cheers from the sold-out crowd.  Then, along with his musical group stopped at Growler's Pub North Tamiami Trail, where he spent time at the bar before catching a plane out of SRQ.


Caught up on OSCAR movie's yet?  They're joined  this weekend by the winner of Best Foreign film, The Salesman.  Playing exclusively at Burns Court Cinema, where it was featured in their Cine-World last November.  I saw it then, and thought it was just an OK movie. 

In reflection,  and with the benefit of time and discussion, it was and is a very thought provoking drama of conflicted marriage.  As with many Foreign films, the essence of movie takes time to digest.  I do recommend The Salesman.

Mail...I get mail...In response to last weeks rant about Longboat Key heavy traffic this season comes a dissent from good friend Merrill Wynne who writes..."Jim, so far this year traffic has been light from LBK.  Only once has traffic backed up.  Don't know how long it will last, but so far so good.  Friday into Van Wezel leaving 6:30 and arriving 15 minutes later.  Saturday leaving an hour early it too 17 minutes."  Agree???


JIM'S RANT....We have become a cell-phone society.  Seems like everyone has one; take it to movies, restaurants, supermarkets and more.  People are talking after parking their car, paying little or no attention to traffic or other walkers.  They aren't watching; BUT, you should be, or there will be a heavy price to pay.......


 
 Thanks for reading.  See  you again next week....JIM