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!