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