MARCH 11, 2018

DID YOU JUMP FORWARD THIS MORNING.....IF NOT YOUR RUNNING ONE HOUR LATE

 Losing an hour of sleep sucks, but think of the fun you'll have next Saturday when everyone becomes Irish for 24 hours.  Start with the Downtown Farmer's Market and then you're on your own.

Looking for a different Paddy's experience, then get down to Venice and join the fun at BRITISH OPEN PUB & RESTAURANT, 367 Jacaranda Blvd.

 Twenty beers on tap and a full selection of fine wine and spirits.  Entry to the event is $5 with re-entry allowed all day and night.  Under a tent with continuous entertainment along with your favorite food.....Reubens, Irish Stew, Traditional Corned Beef Dinners( NO!!! Sol is not catering here or bringing his famous cheesecake.  Call 941-492-9227 or click here for more information.  

There are several Sarasota-Bradenton restaurants and bars offering similar packages.  Choose your poison and drink and drive sensibly. 

The Colony 2006

Two articles in last week's Sarasota Herald-Tribune caught my eye; especially the one about" Colony property gets closer to overhaul."  Who can ever forget The Monkey Bar restaurant or Murf's  famous Beach Buffet along with fireworks on July 4?  Vacant for over 10 years, The Colony is a step closer to long overdue make-over by company who plans a five-star hotel and residences on vacant, ugly Longboat site.

The other article is regards to legend and former Colony pro Nick Bolletari who is featured in Showtime movie Love Means Zero premiering in June. Already getting high marks from Toronto Film Festival , speculation has it when Sarasota Film Festival announces its April 14-22 titles, this will be one of them.  Love is already scheduled for a March 15 screening at Miami's Festival of Films.

Most of you know Bolletari's local presence looms even larger over the area with his hugely successful IMG Academy growing daily in Bradenton.

When Michael and Victoria Calore several months ago sold their extremely popular Mazzerella Fella they told me "stay tuned."  On March 3, Roberta and  I tuned into their newly opened Pazzo Southside 1830 S. Osprey Av.  When arriving around 11:45, we were surprised with the number of tables occupied at that  time of day.

What we were not surprised with was the food.  Exceptional, outstanding, delicious, and every bit as good if not better than their former restaurant.  The difference here is an enlarged menu with Pasta, Salads, Pizza and several entrees, young energetic servers, and the excitement of a happening place you need to bring your friends to. 

Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat.  The good news is they take reservations at 941-260-8831. Even without a reservation, your wait will not be long.  Grab a number and discover Morton's down the street or one of the many shops on Osprey.   Michael and Vickie know how to manage a restaurant!!!

  
  Had a not too pleasant experience at one of Longboat's most popular restaurants,  Dry Dock.  Nothing to do with the food, which as always was outstanding; but their lack of respect for RESERVATION policy.  Yes for those of you who are unaware, they now take reservations by phone or Open Table.  When arriving a few minutes before 8:00 reservation, we were given a pager and told we'd be seated close to our reservation time.  Is 8:40 close enough???

My suggestion is to avoid them during this popular season, and go back, as we will, in April when a call ahead is just as good as a reservation.

ALWAYS A FUN EVENING!!!

 An exceptional setting for ANY occasion, Indigenous 239 S. Links ranks among the best dining experiences in all of Sarasota.  Though outside seating is limited, if you reserve well enough in advance, this is the way to dine; especially on mild spring nights. Their menu, while distinctive and creative, is comparably priced, if not lower, than many high ranking restaurants, and not much more than an upscale chain restaurant. 

Mushroom Bisque

We shared a bottle of red from their ample wine list.  Then onto mushroom bisque which was thick and creamy along with a black garlic caeser salad. The  portions are not skimpy and our party of 4 could have easily split one salad.  All had a "hook to fork" entree which we devoured.  I was forbidden to order their burger, but according to Sarasota Magazine, it's #1 in town and comes with "duck fat roasted potatoes" for $17. The special dessert was a homemade butterscotch brownie with ice cream.  And here's the good news, Indigenous is kind to your wallet.

Reservations should be made well in advance; even out of season.  Call 941-706-4740 for yours.

JIM'S RANT.... Florida's Governor has finally signed a long overdue gun control bill into law. Not perfect,  and coming too late to save the children of our state who were slaughtered last month, it is a small step in the right direction.   I am looking forward to March 24 and "A March4 Our Lives" in  Washington that could finally begin to bring  broader National CHANGE!!!!..............
Another week getting us closer to Easter and Passover...Until next week...Thanks for reading....JIM