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Best wishes for a safe and healthy New Year |

COLUMBIA will be busy throughout the winter months, so I recommend a reservation. Call 941-388-3987, go to Open Table or www.columbiarestaurant.com or drop in and prepare to wait 30 minutes. You can also drive to Tampa.

YUMMY HOUSE is thriving in its new location; especially Christmas day, when a reservation is hard to come by. Fortunately, friend Joe Marsh had one and we joined him and Martha for a Christmas feast of fabulous Chinese food with wine and YUMMY'S famous mixed drinks i.e., a Marsh Manhattan and Fox Martini. Along with egg roll, won-ton soup and house fried rice we were stuffed and ready to go home. Reservations are a must this time of year at 941-351-1688.
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Sarasota Modern Hotel/ Rudolph's |
As we head to new adventures in eating in 2019, I am currently watching a recently opened restaurant and two motr under construction restaurants in the downtown corridor. RUDOLPH'S in the recently opened Sarasota Modern Hotel 1290 Boulevard of the Arts, is modern, intimate, with great looking lounge, and totally empty at most times. I am reluctant to be one of the first, so please, if any of you have been let me know; good or bad!
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SAGE is ready outside. Inside not yet |
SAGE , in the former home of Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant, was due to open late 2018, but for whatever reason is still undergoing internal renovation. No word yet on menu, though I'm told it will be offering American traditional and continental on their menu. They should be a success, if only for their rooftop bar and dining options.
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Umbrellas..coming soon |
Time is running out on one of the season's outstanding attractions. The 15th annual SELBY LIGHTS IN BLOOM ends before next week's blog on January 6. Featuring over 2 million lights throughout the Botanical Gardens, you can also drive by for a quick view from US 41.
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Small sample of Light Show |
It is suggested to order tickets in advance, as long lines begin forming at 4:30 opening. Parking is available, but a downtown trolley or Uber is suggested. Admission is $25 adults; $7 children 5-12. For more information go to www.selby.org.


After toasting and armed with butter and cream cheese, we devoured our sesame, everything, poppy seed and plain. Reasonably priced, baked fresh daily, and lots closer than Lox n Egg Bread Company, WHOLE FOODS is as good as it gets for bagels in Sarasota.
JIM'S RANT.....So, Sarasota County is considering paid parking at Siesta Key beaches. This move is being made, after MANY years of heavy congestion on the island, and complaints from those who live on Siesta Key. Residents would be able to apply for stickers to avoid the parking fee. Paid or free, on a sunny 70plus degree day, it is impossible to move by auto on the Key. I feel your pain Siesta, I don't agree with charging for it.....Another year gone by....hope the new one is a healthy one for all of us......... JIM