JANUARY 21, 2018

THE BOYS OF SUMMER WILL BE BACK NEXT MONTH

In less than a month, baseball returns to Sarasota as the BALTIMORE ORIOLES report for spring training.  Games begin February 23 and run through march.

Tickets are on sale now at Ed Smith box office located at 2700 12th Street.    For a complete rundown go to For a complete schedule and other spring training items click here.

Some prime dates are Tampa 2/23, St Louis 2/8, Boston 3/4/22, Philadelphia 3/11 and NYY 3/14.
For additional information call 877-222-2802.

In anticipation of new WHOLE FOODS opening later this month at the corner of Honore and University, I've been spending time at their downtown location.  I don't know if you have the same opinion, but I was not impressed.   Sure the salad bar has been enhanced, prepared foods have been expanded and baked goods are all over the place, but in my estimation, the baked goods, especially my favorite rugelach were far better.  And the prices seem higher. I'm waiting to see if the new WHOLE FOODS lures me away from FRESH MARKET.
 

While driving around UTC this past week I witnessed the raising of a Circus Tent in the parking lot across from Dillard's.  It doesn't seem a year has passed, but CIRCUS SARASOTA is only a few weeks from opening performance Friday February 9.  Though lacking the box-office draw of Nik Wallenda, the impressive roster of international artists will thoroughly entertain you.

Titled OVATION, the show is dedicated to circus performers worldwide.   Some performers will be familiar while others are new;  Ukrainian quick change masters the Smirnovs,  French juggling master Kris Kremo and something called the Juju tight wire act are all new to this year's show.

Opening weekend tickets come with  20% off  courtesy of ABC 7.  Call 941-355-9805 or click here to order tickets on-line. I'll have information next week on box-office hours.

It's not often I get excited about a so-called fast food restaurant opening, but SHAKE SHACK is different.  Alerted by Mark Freed to their recent commitment to UTC, I refreshed my memory on this company. 

Founder and owner Danny Meyer is well known to those of us who visit New York on a regular basis.  His over 30 restaurants include Union Square Cafe, Blue Smokes and Cafes at MOMA.  Steak Shack began with a cart at Madison Square Garden and has grown to over 34 locations in NY,  Pennsylvania, Florida, and several other states.  Their Central Park location has lines on a regular basis.

Central Park Location

It will be awhile before Shake Shack is even under construction.  Their location will in the same area as a California Pizza Kitchen. But once open their gourmet burger, crinkle fries, shakes, hot dogs and specialty items will draw lines here as well.  However if you're looking for chain burger prices; forget it.  A double burger is just under $10.  But food never tasted as good as this.  I've had their burger and fries and can attest to their fine taste and quality.  Let's call this the rich man's Steak N Shake.


For those of you living in the eastern area of Sarasota, and are looking for an alternative to the very popular down town Saturday Farmer's Market, you now have another option.  Open Wednesdays through April, The Market at Lakewood ranch offers seasonal vegetables, meats, baked goods, dairy, poultry and more.  The ever-growing Sarasota Polo Club is their location 3-7pm.  Along with live music there are cooking demonstrations, wellness activities, and fun for kids of all ages.  Click here for more information and directions. Or call 941-556-8300.




Looking for a terrific movie this weekend?  Don't miss THE POST.   Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep,  this one had me riveted from start to finish.  Taking place in 1971,  it tells of a fight for freedom of the press as well as the difficulty a woman had in those times to lead without being second-guessed or undermined.

The Post is a definite nominee for best picture.  Other nominations could include best actress, actor, director, costume as well.  Lots of competition this year, so I will not anoint this yet, but urge you to see it.  Spielberg was at the top of his game here.





JIM'S RANT.....For as long as can remember, The Epicure has been one of my favorite Main St.  restaurants for casual dining. After my lunch experience of last week, I am having serious doubts.  True it was only the second day open after months of renovation and I should forgive some sins but not having service for several minutes in a nearly empty dining room?  Little concern on part of management for the slow service?  The lack of Bloody Mary mix for several in my party.  If Epicure were a new restaurant I could easily forgive them, but not one with their tradition and reputation....****

****....Good friend Merrill Wynne went to Epicure last week and had a totally different experience.  He writes, "Six of us went to dinner.  Service outstanding.  Good food.   Place packed and served us in 10 minutes.  Just wanted you to know."

Thanks for reading this week....Hope to see you again next week.....JIM