MAY 20, 2018

PLACE YOUR BETS.....IT'S ABOUT TO BEGIN....NOT SO FAST FOR FLORIDA

Last week, with help from The Supreme Court, sports betting outside of Las Vegas became LEGAL.   New Jersey will benefit almost immediately having passed a constitutional amendment in favor of legalized sports betting 7 years ago.  As soon as our State Legislature gets its act together Florida, is the perfect location for this activity.

The Doug Fernandez column in Saturday's Tribune .."Sports gambling here?  Don't bet on it" casts doubt on your placing a bet  anytime soon on your favorite NFL team in the fall.  Gambling of a different kind already exists at SKC, a natural though not ideal spot to place that bet in the future.  As more and more states pass necessary legislation it will put pressure on our political leaders to act.  Until then Welcome to New Jersey.



A terrific documentary produced by CNN opened Friday at BURNS COURT.  Playing to sold-out audiences at recent Sarasota Film Festival, RBG is not to be missed.  U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at 84 is not slowing down.  The film explores the life of Ginsburg from an early age, through college, and law school.  She meets the love of her life, has a family and career, culminating with her years at the Supreme Court.  Saw this on Saturday, and highly recommend.

If you can't make it to Burns, this one is sure to turn up on CNN in the coming months. 

The location formerly housing ROY'S is now open as ROLF'S New Florida Kitchen 2001Siesta Drive. At first glance nothing has changed.  The interior looks familiar, but improvements have been made to brighten your dining experience.

Dining here now is a totally new experience.  Their menu is something else as it features freshly caught Florida seafood of many varieties.  If fish is not for you, there are several meat options along with salads.  ROLF'S is fine dining and can be costly.

On the other hand, if you are one of us who take advantage of happy-hour or early dining specials, then ROLF'S Sunset Special is for you.  Priced at $20, and serving 3:30-5:30, it features a list of six entree choices, along with first course and dessert.   The portions are more than ample for dinner.

 ROLF'S  is open for dinner daily with lunch served on Sunday.  Call 941-806-6820 for a reservation.  




Monday marks the conclusion of RINGLING by the BAY.  A very popular and successful local band, Kettle of Fish performs; you are also encouraged to dance to their music as well.    Festivities begin at 6 and conclude after 9.  Taking place at Ca'd'Zan along Sarasota Bay 5401 Bay Shore Road.  Admission to event is $15, but $5.00 for Ringling members.  For more information on this event as well as current exhibits at museum click here.

These events usually sell-out.  Call 941-358-3180 before you go.

One of my annual favorites, SAVOR SARASOTA, is just a few weeks away.  This year's dates are 6/1-14, with many restaurants extending the promotion well into the summer.  With over 90 restaurants participating throughout the region you will have many choices.  Consisting of three courses, lunch is $16 pp while dinner is $32. One of my favorites, THE ROSEMARY, has had their menu available on line for several weeks.  Located at 411 N. Orange they are now accepting reservations for Savor at 941-955-7600.

Over the next several weeks, I will have information on several more restaurants participating in this year's 13th annual promotion.  I'm sure many of you can remember the early days when portions were embarrassingly small for several restaurants.  That is no longer the case as most go all out to take advantage of this slow time for their industry.

Next weekend brings a favorite annual event, THE ST. ARMANDS SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL.  From 11am-8pm there is continuous entertainment, an all-encompassing arts and crafts show, and delicious seafood from some of the area's favorites.  Admission is free, parking is ridiculous, with  entertainment running  throughout the event. If you are a fan of oysters, mussels and more, there is a VIP tent at $130pp. AND, if you miss Kettle of Fish at Ringling, they will be performing 3:30-5:30 Saturday. 

I'll give you advance notice for 2019

Last weekend, Andrew Lane and the Sarasota Orchestra presented their annual Field of Dreams concert at Ed. Smith Stadium.  Many of you went, and took the time to write how wonderful the evening was.  Irv Becker wrote:"....the sound system was better than Van Wezel, the orchestra was outstanding, and the fireworks were better than July 4th or New Year's eve. " Barry and Suzy Benjamin were also enthusiastic in their praise.




JIM'S RANT....Good news for those of you who travel the Ringling/Orange corridor,  construction of the roundabout is over, and traffic is flowing freely through the area.  This should come as RELIEF for some who spent the season fighting the ridiculous detour around Burns Court. No more complaints; just smooth sailing through the area......See you next week for the next to last blog until late summer........JIM