OCTOBER 28, 2018

After a vote by subscribers to Conde Nast Traveler,  our charming city of Sarasota ranks No. 5 in list of 15 Best Small Cities in US!  Their poll generated over 420,000 responses from every corner of the globe.  We're in good company along with Savannah Georgia, Santa Fe, New Mexico and Alexandria Virginia among others.  Key West was the only other Florida city; and they finished a distant No.10.


All it took was an expiring Groupon to get us to SELVA GRILL this week.  In the same location for over 16 years, and several owners later, their constancy of product is what will bring us back again.  Though the menu has expanded and is now pricey when compared to some of the other "downtown" restaurants, you cannot question the service, presentation, taste and expansive menu.  Their salads, ceviche and main courses are more than enough to share.  Located 1345 Main St and open daily for Happy Hour and dinner.  Call 941-362-4427 for reservations.

 BOWLS OF HOPE returns Sunday December 2 and you need to get tickets NOW.   Benefiting 

ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK, this event continues to draw in excess of 1,500 each year to its Ed Smith Stadium location.  This is a family-friendly event where 40 of Sarasota's best restaurants and caterers serve delicious breads, desserts, and desserts in the enclosed walkway of the stadium.

Guests select outstanding handcrafted bowls to keep, all donated by local potters, artists.  The bowls serving a reminder of the empty bowls they help to fill.  Tickets start at $30.  For $100 you get reserved parking and seating.  Children tickets are $10.  Great food!! Great Cause!!!  Call 941-379-6333 or click www.allfaithsfoodbank.org and purchase your tickets today.

Anu Tali returns for her last season of MASTERWORKS next weekend Friday November 2-4 with all performances at Van Wezel.  She could not have picked a more appropriate piece to kick off her farewell tour than Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto

 Called one of the most important works of violin in the history of romantic music, this masterpiece is one of the most beloved works of music of all time.  Also features a United States premier of New Zealand composer Anthony Richie's (no relation to Lionel) Yet Another Poem of Spring.

Tickets for all three concerts are still available at www.sarasotaorchestra.org; Van Wezel box office or by calling 941-953-3434.


NETFLIX continues to blow away its competition with either its own programming or features brought over from the BBC.  Streaming now is the first season of BODYGUARD, a taught and fast-paced thriller.  You can either watch the 6 less than hour each episodes in one sitting or over several nights; BUT don't miss it.  Nothing on our networks compares or comes close to this one.  

If you're reading this late Saturday or early Sunday it's not to late to head to UTC where this week's craft show also includes great shopping inside and out!  You'll find the same familiar artisans you're familiar with from downtown shows; maybe more. 

 Take advantage of special sales at some of the mall's many retailers or the special menus featured at their restaurants for this event.  Doors to show open at 10 and close at 5.  UTC's restaurant and food court stay open until 10.

JIM'S RANT.......recently read in Herald that several thousand dollars from Tourism budget would be diverted to cover necessary repairs to Ed Smith Stadium; spring home of the Baltimore Orioles.  The repairs run the gamut from fencing, roof replacement, parking lot repairs, and new irrigation system.  I don't question the repairs or using SOME money from tourism dollars.  What I do question is why wasn't this future need addressed in 2010 when the Orioles committed $31.2 million for renovation prior to 2011 spring training?  No reserves? Shameful...........Thanks for reading.  Until next week.......JIM

OCTOBER 21, 2018

SARASOTA OPERA IS BACK...........

AND THE OPERA HOUSE IS FILLING UP

The 2018-19 OPERA season begins Friday 10/26 with the always popular Barber of Seville.  Running through November 11, with single tickets for as low as $19.  Though sung in Italian, their rear screen English translation makes this a must for everyone.

Box office is located in venue at  61 N.Pineapple 10 AM-5 PM daily or call  941-328-1300.

Alec Baldwin and friends

I don't know how many of you stay up late on Saturday to watch SNL.  If you don't, their new season just 3 weeks old may be their best yet.  Of course, the material coming from the White House doesn't hurt.  Just consider this week's cold opening featuring Kanye West, Jim Brown and Pres. Trump.  

Weather you are a friend or foe of our President,  you have to agree he makes for great television.  You can catch SNL Saturday on NBC 11:30 P.M.

 A few days before my deadline this year's CINE-WORLD FILM FESTIVAL program became available on line.   As is the case with this event, the book with schedule and film synopsis was not made available until after tickets went on sale Friday.  I am going to offer a few choices I've read about.  I suggest if you are interested to visit their web-site at sarasotafilmsociety.org or pick up a copy at Burns or Lakewood Ranch beginning Monday. Tickets on sale now at box office or on-line!



BOY ERASED......A PARIS EDUCATION.....SHOP LIFTERS.....MARIA BY CALLAS.....DIANE...... 
HORN FOR THE HEART.....DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES...







While walking Main Street this past week, I re-discovered an old lunch favorite.  BROWN BAG CAFE offers healthy options with unique combinations.  The breads come from Bavarian Bakery; the soups are homemade; the fresh baked croissants and pastries cannot be passed by; and you can wash all this down with wine or beer or soft drink, if that is your preference.  Somewhat hidden in The Main Street City Center 1819 Main St;  their creative menu is available for breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday 8am-3pm.  

Parking is available at garage on Links or on Main, if you find a space.  I had their home-made tuna on 9-grain wheat.  Did not get gluten free bread, but its available for an additional $1.  Came with pickle and house-made chips.  For more information call 941-365-5858 or www.michellesbrownbagcafe.com.

Stone Crabs 

This week marks the beginning of what promises to be an unpredictable STONE CRAB  season.  Due to hurricane Michael and our lingering red-tide the early traps are not generating the volume seen most years at this time.  But take heart....the season lasts until sometime May 2019; ample time to reverse the tide.  As of this writing (Monday),  they were not available at most area restaurants.

Please let me know when and where you find my second favorite seafood.  First, as many of you know, is salmon!!!!


Long-time readers of Jim Knows Sarasota are aware of my self-imposed boycott of Lucky Pelican.  Several years have passed since we were treated rudely by a hostess well in view of the owner.  At the prodding on friends Joe and Martha Marsh, we went back a few weeks ago.  Found the same menu in place along with similar pricing.  The service was great, and the food as good as remembered.  The boycott is over!!!  Going back again as soon as possible.  Stone Crabs?

Not to be outdone by opera opening, SARASOTA BALLET season begins Friday with a program titled IGNOGRAPHIC.  Presented in three acts at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, the company will dance to a Martha Graham premiere followed by creations of Ricardo Graziano and Galina Samsova.  Evening performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday with matinees Saturday and Sunday.  Tickets for ALL performances are still available either at box office or 941-359-0099.  You can also visit their very creative web site www.SarasotaBallet.org.

Getting ready for Halloween

JIM'S RANT.......The headline in last week's Observer said it all....LET THE SEASON BEGIN.....and begun it has.   Just go over the bridge to Longboat or your nearest Publix or your favorite movie theatre and you'll notice the difference.  Nice to have all of you back, especially those who pump our red-tide weakened economy with fresh cash.  Not so nice, are the erratic drivers who seem never to adjust to Sarasota traffic.  For your safety and ours take an Uber or Iride or better yet...stay indoors...Until next week....have a good one....JIM

US 41 across Ringling
College

Thanks to Debbie Yonker for picture.   Construction beginning soon on Sarasota's newest and largest Starbucks.

OCTOBER 14, 2018

CABARET IS IN FULL SWING AT FST.......

UNCHAINED MELODIES

One of our favorite Sarasota entertainment venues is FST'S Cabaret which kicked off its 2018/19 season this week.  Unchained Melodies is a compilation of music from the 50's and 60's, and according to Mark Freed "...fabulous.  One of the best shows ever at Cabaret..." I'd see Melodies again..."

Righteous Brothers

Of course the title of this show comes from a song first made famous by the Righteous Brothers and performed by several artists since.  Music from Frankie Valli, The Four Seasons, Those Brothers, The Temptations and more are included.  If you love rock n' roll this one is for you.


Tickets for this show can  be purchased at box office or calling 941-366-9000.  You can also go on line at www.floridastudiotheatre.org.  My suggestion of last week still stands.  It is cost-effective to buy a subscription rather than a single ticket.

YUMMY!!!!

Looking for a quick, inexpensive and delicious lunch....especially on Friday???  Whole Foods Market 1st st.  gives you that option.  Serving from 12 noon until supply is exhausted is  Udon Noodle Soup.  Created while you watch the preparation, you have the choice of chicken, shrimp, or both; noodles, vegetables and hot broth all for under $7.  You can eat it there or take it home.  Had it Friday and will have again this Friday.

1st Street Farmer's Market

Soon the weather will turn more fall-like, and you will again venture downtown to the Sarasota Farmers Market.  When you arrive you'll notice a major change in location.
Farmer's Market.   Due to construction of The Mark those vendors from State St and north of there are now on First St.  For me, this gives a much better flow to what is still one of the country's best outdoor markets.  Open Saturday 8am-1pm.  See you there.



 PMP/Suncoast begins their 15h year next month with a series of special events culminating Saturday,  January 5 with their annual Celebration Concert at the Sarasota Opera House. 

Renowned violinist and conductor Itzah Perlman along with wife Toby will again be in residence throughout the winter.

Can't wait until 2019?  Sunday's PBS American Masters 10 p.m. is presenting an exclusive showing of last year's documentary on Perlman.  Featuring interviews with Billy Joel, Alan Alda and Mischa Maisky as well as Perlman, Toby, the documentary will tell you more than I can about his exemplary career.

After Sunday, this film will be available to stream on pbs.org/american classics or the pbs app.

The 2018 ORCHID SHOW at Selby Gardens is now open and will be until November 25.  This year along with always fascinating educational exhibits is a 3-D computer display which gives a dynamic view of orchids in bloom and a 180 foot long ribbon display that spirals overhead and features plants hanging upside down.

Become a member or go one time, but do not miss this annual exhibit that is the highlight of the SELBY season.  Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 900 S. Palm Avenue.  For more information call 941-366-5731 or visit them at www.selby.org.  

The Rosemary District has seen a construction boom in the past several months.   New apartments, condominiums and town houses are under construction all over the place. 

 And while this is going on, new restaurants are joining Sarasota favorite The Rosemary giving us many choices for a meal.  One such spot, Spice Station, serving sushi along with a knock-out Thai Menu has quickly established itself in the area.

Their Thai and noodle options are easily shared with the table.  Sushi is individual, but ample for sharing as well.  Wine and beer are available.   Reservations are taken for parties of 6 or more.   It is best to go early or after 7:30, but this time of year, there is ample outdoor eating.  Located 1438 Blvd. of the Arts and open lunch as well.

If you 're looking for a very good movie to get away from those irritating political commercials go to Netlix for their just released 22 JULY.  Based on a true story, the movie depicts one of the single most deadly terror attacks in modern memory.  Directed by Paul Greengass of Bourne franchise.  Running well over 2 hours, JULY will keep you riveted to the screen throughout.


NEXT WEEK....The best of Cine-World running 11/2-11.......Brochure available at  Burns Court Cinema Thursday.

JIM'S RANT.....For me, the mid-term elections cannot come soon enough.  If the squabbling among the two major parties is not enough, the constant bombardment of NEGATIVE advertising  on every television channel is driving me to turn off the sound or go back to a good book.  Both parties share the blame for turning off the electorate; however,  you make a difference and vote November 6..........Once again, I thank you for your comments and readership...Until next week....JIM

Cathi and Tracy last week in Sarasota

 

 

OCTOBER 7, 2018

RESTAURANT WEEK RUNS THROUGH OCTOBER 14TH

You are encouraged to take advantage of this year's Sarasota-Manatee Originals Restaurant Week.    Over 50 of the best locally owned restaurants are participating in Eat Like a Local

Jerry Seinfeld Eating in Sarasota

Restaurant Week.  Where available, this includes breakfast along with lunch and dinner.  Price Fixe two course breakfast and lunch menus; three course dinner menus from $9 to $49.  For a complete list of participating restaurants and their menu offerings visit www.eatlikealocal.com




Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe kicked off its 2018/19 season Saturday with a musical version of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin  in the Sun simply titled RASIIN.   The score mixes jazz, gospel and blues and won for best musical when it opened on Broadway in 1943.  Never before produced here, this is sure to be an in-demand ticket before closing November 11.

The season ending production, Love in the Key of Aretha, was scheduled before Franklin's  death and will also surely be a tough ticket to close the season in April.  

As is the case with most theatre here, it makes economic sense to purchase a subscription rather than single seats.  Box office is open daily at 1012 N Orange Ave.  Call 941-266-1505 or visit them on line at www.westcoastblacktheatre.org


October also marks the start of CRAFT season, and you have one more day to visit the first one in downtown Sarasota.  Featuring some old and sure to be new favorites, this free event runs until 5pm at 5 Points Park & Central. 

Get a head start on Christmas shopping, as over 100 craft artisans will be on hand to take early orders.  The recent addition of food trucks will help with your appetite;  and this year's entertainment is not limited to a single stage.  See you there!!  Ample parking in convenient lots throughout the downtown area.

ALEXANDRA ARRIECHE

 Sarasota Orchestra begins a new season Wednesday with a Great Escapes performance Musical America.  With renowned guest conductor Alexandra Arrieche leading a celebration of musical genres that are distinctly American. 

 Music by Aaron Copleand and his folk inspired themes; jazz greats Cole Porter and George Gershwin along with classical giant Antonin Dvarak, whose music was influenced by his time in America.

Performances start from 5:30 in Holley Hall where seats are priced as low as $40.  Tickets are usually difficult to purchase after January, so my suggestion is to get on board now.  Box Office can be reached at 941-953-3434.  

ONE OF BUCK'S BEST MOMENTS

Spring training is months away, but it will NEVER be the same in Sarasota.  One of the best managers of all time; one of the best interviews you could ask for; always accessible to fans and writers, is no longer.  Farewell BUCK.  You will be missed not only here, but in Baltimore and around the American League.  No need for those flights anymore...just kidding about that one.....



Many of you travel to the Ellenton Outlets frequently and are always in search of a quick bite or meal.  Going West on 301 about 1/4 of a mile you'll see a PIG in front of an ordinary building.  That's where you'll find some of the best bbq in the area.  Locally owned for over 30 years, with no advertising or business cards to take home,  Hickory Hollow is jammed for lunch and dinner.


Reasonably priced, the ribs come in various flavors.  In addition there is pulled beef, pork, Maryland style crab cakes there are plentiful sides of which you get two with any entree.  Top off your dining experience with their changing-daily homemade cobbler.  HEAVEN!!!

You're looking for 4705 US HWY 301 or call 941-722-3932.

JIM'S RANT.......Having just spent the better part of an hour on the phone with Comcast/Xfinity it was easy coming up with this week's rant.   Why is it so difficult to reach someone who knows what they're talking about?  My operator was confused and had difficulty comprehending the nature of my call.   AND I wasn't talking to someone in the Philippines!!  Later that day, I was called to take a survey about my experience.  OUCH.........thanks to all of you who sent emails welcoming me back.  Until next week....JIM