JULY 16, 2017

LATE THIS WEEK DUE TO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES..........

PACKING FOR A VACATION IS NEVER EASY!!!!

Several of you were among the hundreds dining at the recently opened METRO DINER 3501 S. Tamiamai Trail.  Located at Westfield Siesta Key, many of you who wrote were ecstatic with your first Metro meal.....

Debbie Y writes, " The Debbie's had lunch at Metro Diner, and it was GREAT!  Although it was filled we were seated very quickly.  We tried the Reuben sandwich, the fried chicken platter and took home a pork tenderloin sandwich with fixing's for another meal.

Moderately priced, retro feel, excellent iced tea. This is a WINNER"

My Favorite....MEATLOAF PLATTER

Marlene writes..."Went to Metro Diner for lunch and really enjoyed it.  Great grilled cheese sandwich with three cheese choices.  House made chips are to die for.  Overall a fun dining experience with great service in a very busy restaurant."

Here's some good news for those of us in the University Parkway area:   Metro Diner is opening a second location near Detwiler's and Parkway Cinemas.  Target date is 12/1/2017.    Look for their sign this summer. 

Actor Jeffrey Plunkett should be a familiar name for those of you who visit Florida Studio Theatre.  Over the last 20 years he has performed in close to a dozen show in this venue.  He's back again in The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey. 

His performance was recently praised by Jay Handelman...."he takes his art to an even richer, more detailed level playing nine roles in James Lecesne's one-man play."

This off-Broadway hit is about the disappearance of a 14-year-old boy, and a New Jersey detective's effort  to find out what happened to him.  Running 75 minutes with no intermission, Handelman writes, "..the production leaves you feeling joyous for a young life...and the imaginative way that the story is being told."  Playing until August 6, call 941-366-9000 or click here to their website and purchase tickets on line.

I never go tired of author Daniel Silva.  He's back again this summer with his 19th thriller, House of Spies.  His legendary spy, assassin and art restorer, Gabriel Allon is back in his new role of Chief of Israel's secret intelligence service.  He is out for revenge; determined to hunt down the world's most dangerous terrorist, a shadowy ISIS mastermind known only as Saladin.

I am only a quarter through this lengthy book, but am thoroughly enjoying Allon again; even though at times I feel I've been here before.  Nevertheless, this is a very, very good summer read.  Silva is at the top of his game here.

MUSIC ON MAIN, the successful and growing Lakewood Ranch promotion continues through the summer and beyond.  Running every First Friday 6-9pm, you are encouraged to bring a chair and enjoy food, drink and music on main Street. No coolers, but  leashed pets are allowed.   The remaining dates are 8/4 and 9/1 at 8100 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. See you there.

OPENING SOON

Good news for those of us waiting the arrival of Whole Foods second location on University and Honore.  Thursday morning the Opening Soon signs were posted at that location.  My guess is late this month or August 1.  See you there.




JIM'S RANT.....Jay Handelman must be back in good graces with FST again.  His review of The Absolute Brightness is being used in their advertising.  What was it, a month ago when FST was really upset with his review of Burt and Me?  So upset they sent an email to summer subscribers telling them how wrong he was.  And, by the way, most agreed with Jay and not FST.

That's all she wrote, folks.  Have a wonderful summer and I'll see you sometime this fall.....JIM

On Streets of Chicago

 Photo courtesy of Debbie Y and Mark F...........