APRIL 16, 2017

                                 HAPPY EASTER...HERE'S TO A HOPPING GREAT DAY
 
Don't  celebrate too much if still contemplating filing a tax return Tuesday the 18th.  We all received a 2 day extension due to the 15th falling on a Saturday and a Washington Holiday on Monday.  No excuses after tomorrow!!

If you're up to adult nonsense,  and tired of your old couch, then head to the  nearest cinema for 2 hours of Going In Style.  This remake of  1979 comedy starring Art Carney has been updated to fit its three aging stars; Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin.  Along with an unrecognizable Ann Margaret ( too many face tucks)  they set out to rob a bank responsible for robbing them of their pensions.

When plan is hatched, just sit back and enjoy this one.  No need discussing what director was thinking after movie,  Style is easy to view and leave with a smile on your face.  The real GOOD movies are due in a few weeks.

A great way to spend next weekend is with the Sarasota Pops  Orchestra.  Andrew Lane returns to lead them in their last performance of the season:  The Music of Sinatra.  Tickets begin at $35, with several remaining for all three weekend programs.  Friday and Saturday evening at 8 and Saturday 2:30; with the best seats Saturday matinee. 

Up and comer Michael Andrew joins the  Orchestra , recreating some of Sinatra's better known songs.  Luck Be a lady, New York, New York, I Only Have Eyes For You, and In The Still of the Night along with many others. Clips of some of Sinatra's greatest moments from cinema to television will be shown as the music plays.

You can hop on line Now by clicking here. Or you can call 941-953-3434 and reserve your tickets over the phone.

Here's  a date worth saving. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is sponsoring an exhibit of the incredible life of Anne Frank.  Starting Tuesday and running through May 17,  you are invited to visit  The Selby Public Library 1331 First Street, downtown Sarasota.  

Exhibit hours are  9am-8pm Mon-Fri, 5pm Sat.  Before arriving in Sarasota, this exhibit has  been on display in over 40 countries and seen by over six million people-the same number who perished at the hands of the Nazis!  It tells the story of Anne Frank against the background of the Holocaust and World War 11.

By visiting Selby Library you will gain a better understanding of the Holocaust and the lasting impact this event has on today's society.  Just witness the JUSTIFIED outcry from Trump Press Secretary Spicer's comments of a few days ago. 

West  Coast Black Theatre  concludes  its successful season with a drama, Dearly Departed. No music with this one, but critics are  calling Departed  a "delightful and heartwarming comedy"  about a dysfunctional family gathering for their patriarch's funeral.  As we all know from personal experiences, family situations are seldom tidy, but often extremely funny.

Dearly Departed runs through May 17.  You can easily order tickets for all performances by clicking here.




When it comes to Southwest Mexican cuisine, there is only one place that I know of in Sarasota that creates a one of a kind dining experience that keeps me coming back for more.  Family owned and operated EL TORO BRAVO, combines fresh, flavorful food along with honest prices and outstanding service.

Whether you're in the mood for specialty menu items like Tampaquino Steak or the classics (my favorites) like fajitas, enchiladas, burritos and tacos done to perfection, this is the place for you as well.  The restaurant is small and cozy with every table only a few feet from the serving area. 

On a recent visit, owner and chef Ruben Caban was our server and helped make the entire experience rewarding; especially the chocolate dessert which I still dream about today.  I wouldn't think of eating Mexican food on a weekly basis, but once a month this is the place to be.  Located 2720 Stickney Point Rd.  For reservations call 941-924-0006. Open lunch and dinner Mon-Sat.  A new location is under construction, and I'll give you that address when it opens. 

Many of you are going to see KINKY BOOTS playing April 25-30 at Van Wezel.  With matinees on Saturday and Sunday;  there are tickets left for most performances.  I saw this in NY several years ago when it won Tony for best musical.  This is one of those rare occasions Sarasota gets to see a show that's also  running on Broadway.  It's still not too late to order tickets on-line. Click here or call box office at 941-953-3368. 
  

  
 

JIM'S RANT.....Our long winter season is over!!  The streets are less crowded, the better restaurants have immediate seating, stores are already offering discounts, people who live here year round have come out of hiding, and it never rains!!!  Can you believe it, but nary a drop of measurable rainfall the month of April.  If this keeps up, I'll have to break down for that sprinkler I saw recently at Home Depot.  Have a great Easter.......




See  you next week as we head into MAY countdown....two weeks to go....have a great week in PARADISE.....JIM