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.