DECEMBER 2, 2018

SEE YOU IN A FEW WEEKS..................

JIM

To view past issues click date to right of BLOG......

NOVEMBER 25, 2018

THE CIRCUS IS COMING...........

Not the Walenda Family, but Just as Exciting

The Big Top is up at UTC.....Rehearsals are on going...BOX OFFICE is open...so what are you waiting for?  Performances begin December 27 and run through the 30th.  The performers are young, energetic, enthusiastic and put on one heck of a show.  For more information call 941-355-9805 or visit CircusArts.org.





Don't know about you, but I LOVE Christmas Music.  If you feel the same, or just want to get into the spirit, 98.7 on the FM band is wall to wall.  And, if you keep listening they have non-commercial 98 minutes several times daily.  Of course, there is always a satellite station devoted to Christmas year round.

Conductor Andrew Lane

 The ultimate Christmas performance comes next month during the annual HOLIDAY GREAT ESCAPES.  Once again Andrew Lane  leads the Pops Orchestra through a parade of classics along with vocals, sing along, and video.  A Sunday matinee performance has been added this year to satisfy demand, as the opening night ESCAPES is sold out.  Dates are 12/7-9.  For tickets and more call 941-953-3434 or visit on line sarasotaorchestra.org.


A few weeks ago, VAN WEZEL, in appreciation for their subscribers had a party to say thank you.  And what a party it was!!  A wine pairing at Michael's Wine Cellar featuring Michael's International wine along with their wonderful food.  Met some very interesting Sarasota-Bradenton residents.  Hats off to Natasha Herrera and her staff for a wonderful evening.

I am sworn to secrecy, but the first show to be announced soon for 2019/2020 season is a whopper.  Stay tuned.

Inside SRQ

Heard from several of you last week who got the news here first about Allegiant Air adding several non-stop flights from SRQ.  Now comes word of additional United Airlines non-stop service to Denver.  Though only during spring break next March, it shows the continuing growth of airport and Sarasota.  The need to travel to Tampa for a flight is becoming less and less.



NETFLIX added a show this week that I wholeheartedly recommend.  From creator Chuck Lorre comes The Kominskey Method.  Starring Michael Douglas, Alan Arkin, Nancy Travis and too many cameos for this blog.  Lorre is best known for his CBS comedies i.e., Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men among others.  Kominsky  is far removed from those comedies. Consisting of 8  30 minute programs;  it was easy to watch in one sitting.  Can't wait to laugh out loud again!!!




This week's dining adventures took us to Saint Armand's Circle to an oldie but still goodie, THE SHORE.  Not much has changed since 2012 opening except co-owner Mark Cargiulo is no longer involved.  The menu has an eclectic mix of seafood, pasta, fried chicken along with my favorite, The Shore Burger to which I added truffle fries and slaw.

The Main dining room is airy though noisy on nights when the bar is busy.  There is ample seating in a rear dining room along with quiet  outdoor dining.   Open for lunch as well as weekend brunch call 941-296-2307 for reservations.  There will be a second location on Longboat, which has been delayed due to a recent fire.


To all my Jewish friends a HAPPY HANUKAH.  Obsereved and celebrated December 2-10

This week's issue of OBSERVER Group includes their annual GIFT GUIDE.  You will find creative gifts for every member of the family.  You can pick up the GUIDE wherever the OBSERVER is distributed.  If you are looking for an usual gift to give this CHRISTMAS, the GUIDE will give ideas for ALL members of your family!!!  They will be available through the month of December.






JIM'S RANT........I'm happy to report we all survived the horror of BLACK FRIDAY.  My guess is most of us took advantage of all those BLACK discounts before the big day.  What I'm having difficulty surviving, is the incessant email barrage from all my on-line activity these past months.  As soon as I delete them, they're back with even more offers.  Oh for those days of the real BLACK FRIDAY.....On that note, I am taking leave for a few weeks of travel...hopefully you'll be back December 16 as I count down to 2019......Until then......JIM

NOVEMBER 18, 2018

GIVE THANKS ON THURSDAY......And don't eat too much!!

When you finish the left-overs and the early shopping you should consider a trip to FST.  Kicking off their 45th season is the Tony Award winning 

musical A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder.  Unlike most FST productions, Murder is relatively new, opening on Broadway in 2013 and winning the Tony for best musical in 2014.  Jay Handelman's review was mixed, but I found the performance entertaining from the get-go; and so did the audience. 

A subscription package gives best value, and along with flexibility, you can change at the last minute and not lose out on seeing all of FST's  season.  Call 441-366-9000 or visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org.  This show has been extended through January 5, 2019 when it must close.

Several of you were recently spotted at newly opened CASSARIANO .  Located on Cattleman across from UTC, this Italian restaurant is drawing rave reviews from everyone!! Joan B. writes.."it is a wonderful dining experience.  Michael had veal chop on bone Caprice style while I ordered Pappardell pasta (home made) with veal meat sauce...best ever..can't wait to go back.

Mark F.  concurs and states.."restaurant was very nice inside and had really good help who were pleasant and informative.  Our party of 4 had excellent salmon, fairly priced and large portion;  also chicken Milanese, pasta Bolognese, eggplant parmigiana appetizer and Caeser salad.  Every dish was delicious and large enough for sharing.  Overall I would rate it a 9 and can't wait to go back!"

Both are happy to have an upscale restaurant so close to home in the University/Lakewood Ranch corridor.   Whatever the location, this NEW Italian Eatery is sure to be busy for years to come.



Mark your calendar for the best craft show of 2018 as SARASOTA ART & HANDMADE HOME SHOW returns to Robarts Arena.  Three days only: Nov.30-Dec.1&2.  100 of the nation's top artists displaying not only jewelry, paintings, sculpture, leather, glass and more.  This 10th year edition promises to be biggest yet.  Hours are 10-5 with general admission starting at $12.  For more information go to www.sahhs.com.


At long last there will now be non-stop flights from SRQ to BWI.   Fast growing Allegiant Air not only committed to Baltimore, but eight other destinations as well.  When making your travel plans to major US destinations chances are you will find a non-stop from SRQ. Quite a change form the 80's when a drive to Tampa was necessary for long distance travel.  Hats off to Allegiant for making SRQ significant on the West Coast of Florida.




As a fan of the movies, I look forward to this time of year when many of the better features are released.  This year has been blessed by not one, but two driven by pop music.  I wrote recently about Star is Born with terrific performances by Lady GaGa and Bradley Cooper. 

 Now comes Bohemian Rhapsody, which easily tops it with an "over-the-top" performance by television star Rami Malek.  Known for his role as Elliot Anderson in Mr. Robot, Malek nails it as Queen's Freddie Mercury in this docu-drama which had the sold-out theatre sitting and watching closing credits.

Rami Malik as Freedie Mercury

My recommendation is to see it now before December releases forces Bohemian Rhapsody to performances at Parkway Cinema, home of $2 movies with fuzzy screen, poor sound system and tired seating.   When  this year's Academy Awards nominations are announced Malik, Cooper and GaGa will be the ones to watch.  Glen Close will be there as well for THE
WIFE.

Randy and Pam Silagi are nearing an end to their African adventure, returning home the end of this month.

Sunset sail in Stone Harbour

  They wrote recently...."Zanzibar is a magical island with pristine beaches and crystal clear water.    Next stop Zimbawe."

I-Ride African Style

Randy also took time to compare his adventure to home while visiting  Zanzibar City " not unlike Sarasota with its own version of an I-Ride...."

Looking for some free entertainment? The lights are up again on Univeristy and UTC, and what a display they are.  Starting on Honore and moving to I75, the area is lit up beyond description.  Drive Cattleman and arrive at Holiday Village with its OUTDOOR ice-skating rink and pretend you're in some cold east-coast city and not Sarasota, Florida.  Go beyond UTC and you're at Nathan Benderson Park, where for the first time THE FENCE exhibit is playing Sarasota.  Featuring more than 200 large-format photos exhibited on an 800-foot fence,  similar to our annual Embracing our Differences; only bigger.  Happy Holiday Season!!

JIM'S RANT.... The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a disaster.  With a roster of high-paid players, they have under-performed on both sides of the ball.  The blame goes not only to fired offensive and defensive coordinators, but head coach Dirk Koetter who is responsible for this mess of a professional football team.  And what about the kicker????  Since cutting Matt Bryant in 2008 there have been 7 lousy replacements.  What gives???.....UNTIL NEXT WEEK.....JIM

Black Friday in all its horror!

NOVEMBER 11, 2018

Today and tomorrow are set aside to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of 
country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for our country.  

As we move closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas and  as more people arrive to visit Sarasota, special events dot the landscape. 

 One such event which Jazz enthusiasts look forward to annually is JAZZ TROLLEY & PUBB CRAWL.  The date is  this Tuesday.  Park your car starting  5:30 at the north end of Van Wezel parking lot and travel to Aloft Hotel the first of several stops featuring live jazz music.  There are 8 additional locations along the trolley route.  Tickets(wristbands) for $20 are available now at 941-366-1552 or www.jazzclubsarasota.org.





STONE CRAB season has officially started; and due to Red Tide, the season was slow moving, but is now on a roll.   Good friend Larry Coleman writes..."had stone crabs at Harry's tonight.  Very good; full of meat; at around $60.  They came from was out in the Gulf."  I saw the crabs at Dry Dock, Captain Brian's and Lucky Pelican.  All looked fresh and juicy at roughly $42-$60 a pound for jumbo.  

For the first time in many months, had  dinner last week at Owens Fish Camp; no stone crabs, just a wonderfully prepared plate of scamp.  Happy to say, we'll be back again before the end of November.  


The noise at prime time can be deafening, but the food and service will get you through the night.   Located in Burns Court  near the Cinemas, you will enjoy dining in a fish camp setting.  Several imaginative side dishes along with yummy desserts will leave you well satisfied when finished.

Manatee Community Marching Band and Pops Orchestra kicks off its 2018/19 season next Sunday, November 18. As always Neal Auditorium hosts this first concert.  This performance includes The Bay Chorale;  and due to early demand an  advance ticket purchase is suggested.  Please call 941-753-5634 for tickets.  

If you can't make it next Sunday, your next chance to see this highly regarded

band is UTC where they will get you into the Christmas spirit with their "A Taste of Christmas concert.  This one is free and open to everyone weather shopping or not.

Though our local band does not have these kind of moves, they are entertaining to watch; and this was one of the few pictures I could find for this story!!

Cine-World will end its 2018 Film Festival today.  Though there were many outstanding films shown over the 10 plus days, one we saw stands out.  Boy Erased (due soon at Burns) starring Luther Hedges, Nicole Kidman and an over-blown Russell Crowe. 

Directed by Joel Edgerton, who also appears as a conversion doctor, this one will be on best list for 2018.  The son of a Baptist preacher is forced to participate in a church-sponsored gay conversion after being forcibly outed to his parents.  The story is true.


Most of you know my background, but for those who don't, my major in college was Liberal Arts/broadcasting.   This was in the mid-50's before cable and social media.  Much has changed since then with a news cycle of 24-7 and a more aggressive and competitive press. 


The "fake news" comes from Saturday Night Live, The Late Show, Steven Colbert..... It does not come from CNN, FOX, NBC.....you know the rest.  The way our President treated the news media at his press conference last week is regrettable.  No need for it in our free society.


If you're reading this late Saturday or Sunday,

St. Armands Circle ART FESTIVAL  is open until 6 p.m.  And don't forget all those Circle restaurants are open until 10 or later.

JIM'S RANT......Remember the "hanging chads" of 2000?  The cliffhanger between Al Gore and George W. Bush?  Florida became the punching bag of that election cycle as the country held its breath during an excruciating recount.  Well it's happening again, and this time no Chads!  You would have thought that eliminating them, 18 years later we'd have a clear Governor and Senate winner.  Guess again.  No matter your party; winning an election in Florida is never easy.....ONCE AGAIN....thanks for reading....See you next week...JIM

NOVEMBER 2, 2018

VOTE TUESDAY.............

By now you know why your vote is so important this week.  So get out there, cast your ballot, fix yourself a strong drink, and get ready for the television pundits to tell you what the results "really" mean.


One by one our favorite venues are opening.  MANATEE PLAYERS is already into its second production, and it's an oldie but goodie.  Cabaret has generated some of the strongest reviews I've ever seen for a  local theatre troupe.

Jay Handelman writing in this week in The Herald ....." have seen Cabaret many times, but can't recall feeling quite the emotional wallop delivered by this thought provoking production since the 1998 Broadway revival.  Cast is uniformly terrific with many outstanding performances.  You will not be disappointed.

Playing through November 11 call 941-748-5875 or www.manatee-performingartscenter.com for tickets.    For those of you who have not been to this gem of a theatre it's located 502 Third Avenue W. Bradenton.



ASOLO REP is 2 weeks away from kicking off its 18/19 season with legendary hit The Music Man.  First performed on Broadway in 1957 where it won The Tony for that year beating out that year's West Side Story, then a movie and revived all over the world many times.  This will be Asolo's first presentation of one of America's classic musicals. Playing through the holidays, this will be a tough ticket!

1962 movie Robert Preston Shirley Jones

The music covers the musical spectrum from rousing marches, soaring ballads, and vocal arrangements which some consider the precursors to popular rap music of today.  For tickets call 941-351-8000 or visit www.asolorep.org 

Where is the pineapple?

When Sarasota friends Pam and Randy Silagi left on their long delayed African trip I asked them to stay in touch.  That they have, and sounds like the trip is fascinating.  One of their first stops upon arrival was the farmers market in Arusha Tanzania.  They write....."Not at all unlike the farmers market in Sarasota, only we stand out a little bit more."  Judge for yourself!!

"We head to Serengeti tomorrow. " Where they wrote..."a bit chilly though, temps in the low 6o's.  No television, no newspapers, incredibly peaceful, love it."  AND NO POLITICAL ADS.


If you've been watching television the past few weeks you could not miss the Holiday advertising.   Jingle Bells the middle of October?? Sure why not.  

Which brings me to a new feature through Christmas/Hanukkah...GIFT ideas........ read this week of a new book from pen of Dick Vitale..Mount Rushmores of College Basketball.  Celebrating 40 years as an ESPN college basketball analyst, Vitale picks his four greatest college basketball coaches of all-time. The book costs $29.99 and is available at DickVitaleOnline.com.  ALL money generated goes to benefit the V Foundation for cancer research.

REMEMBER OUR PITTSBURGH BROTHERS AND SISTERS

If you're reading this on Sunday you still have time to travel to this week's outdoor Arts Festival holding fort in downtown Venice.  As always, over 200 artisans work is on display for just looking or purchasing.  BUT, if you can keep that credit card in your wallet for another week,  the end of year big one is coming to ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE next Saturday and Sunday November 10/11.

This show stretches around the circle and features several new artists to the area.   In addition to crafts, jewelry, art, and hidden treasures, there is food both in and outside the event.  All your favorite Circle restaurants will have extended hours to serve the masses.  See you there.

Someone once asked me "how many hamburger restaurants can you squeeze into one destination zone.  Apparently as many as the shopping zone will accommodate.  Take UTC as an example of over-kill.  Burger-Fi;  Burger&Beer Joint; Shake Shack; Five Guys; Ford's Garage; Wendy's, and maybe more.  It's called survival of the fittest, and a year from now I'll let you know who did.

One who has survived for many years, PATRICK'S on Main features $5 hamburgers on Monday.   Along with the burger comes fries or slaw.  One catch; but a minor one; you must order a drink.  We've gone several Mondays this summer, and along with several others went last Monday.  Packed inside and out as well as bar, the result for us this week was disappointing.  Won't be going back until season is over.  Please let me know your favorite burger.

JIM'S RANT.....Simple this week.  Stop complaining about the negative political climate and do something about it.  Tuesday are the so called Midterms where a new House; several Senate races; and along with Governor races, will go a long way in shaping our civility for the next two  years and beyond.  Then sit back and watch the "fake media" diagnose the results.......Thanks for reading.  Until next week....JIM

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE!!!!