FEBRUARY 25, 2018

SELBY GARDENS  CONTINUES THEIR ARTIST EXHIBIT SERIES WITH CONTEMPORARY ICON ANDY WARHOL.

Known more for pop than flowers, Warhol  created thousands of flower paintings and images; some of which are featured in this event.  Like last year's Chagall exhibit, several of Warhol's paintings and plant inspirations are featured throughout Selby.  Running through early June, this is a wonderful outing for out-of-town guests or yourselves on a beautiful spring day.  For more Warhol information as well as Selby hours and pricing please click here.

 Over the years early-bird specials have morphed into HAPPY-HOUR, with most restaurants providing same.  Several are in the bar, but if you do some research, you can find them in the restaurant as well.  Recently went to a couple at UTC.  Here is a brief take on both. 


SEASONS 52 has Happy Hour in spacious bar area and outside dining with open view of parking lot.  Their menu is limited, and they're not kidding when they say "small plates".  The price is right at $5, but if you order two then you might as well go to their main menu.  Hours are 3-7 weekdays.

BRIO Tuscan Grille has a small bar space, but ample seating outside in a covered area; also in view of parking lot.   Their menu far exceeds Seasons, and includes a burger with chips for $6.  By far the more popular of the two, their hours are 3:30-6:30 weekdays.   With so few tables in lounge area, you should anticipate sitting at the bar.

UTC favorites, Cheesecake Factory and Kona Grille have happy hour as well.   Sad to report Capital Grille does not have happy hour, but if you're here for Savor Sarasota, the Grille has a burger special in bar which is best in show!!!


Now playing at Manatee Players is the stage adaptation of a memorable 1996 Disney movie of Victor Hugo's novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.  Awhile back I wrote how impressive the young performers were at a benefit, and they are equally if not more so here.  Many of the songs should spark a memory if you saw the movie.    Playing through March 15 call 941-748-5875 click here for a schedule of performances.


In last week's blog, there was an article promoting the 38th annual SARASOTA Jazz Festival and its move from under construction Art Ovation Hotel to Riverside Performing Arts Center.  Their full page ad in this week's TICKET told you that and more.  Only thing missing was date of March 7-10. For more information click here.


The most recent TripAdvisor listing of Best Beach, dropped Siesta Beach to #2, replacing it with Clearwater's  Beach.  Since their  list is based on traveler review; if  you want the #1 distinction again in 2019 get those votes in!!!! Or can it be a backlash from awful MTV program Siesta Beach????

JIM'S RANT....The recent sale of Ritz-Carlton properties caught my eye for several reasons.  The $171 million price for the hotel along with its golf course and its private club on  Lido Beach is an historic figure for a Sarasota project of this type.  I can remember when the hotel idea along with a Tower Residence was floated in the late 90's.  It was said at the time, Sarasota was going to change.  WELL??????  Thanks for reading....See you next week...JIM 

Mark your calendar for Saturday's Sun Circle Art Festival  10-5 in the Indian Beach/ Sapphire Shores neighborhood near Ringling Museum. Over 80 participants...........