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