DECEMBER 16, 2018

ONE WEEK LEFT UNTIL THE BIG DAY........

SANTA SEEMS A BIT HARRIED.  DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU

"It's the most wonderful time of the year...."  Andy Williams sings this on most radio stations these days as everyone prepares for Christmas/New Year.  What better place to get ready than Sarasota, where the weather is great (most of the year) and activities abound at several venues.


But before giving you a sample of what's playing, it's always fun to learn of new restaurants from Debbie and Mark.  A few days ago they went to the newest GROVE, on Main Street Lakewood Ranch.  They write..."sad to see Polo Grill close, but GROVE did not disappoint.  In fact, it far exceeded our expectations.  Food was excellent as was the well-trained and knowledgeable wait staff.

Most offerings are meant to be shared and come with two sides.  Sandwiches come with choice of slaw, fries and home-made chips.  Go with the chips, paper thin, crispy and warm.  Best we've ever had.  Burger was yummy, and pork osso bucco  rivals more established competition.

We topped off our dinner with coffee served  with complimentary cookies.  We can't wait to go back.  Open for lunch, happy hour and dinner,  GROVE is destined to be the east side of town go-to place for those meals and more.

Happy Hour runs until 7 and features Tito vodka for $5.00."  I am taking their advice and made an Open Table reservation for next week.   GROVE is located at the foot of Main Street Lakewood Ranch.  I spoke to Debbie and Mark as they were leaving the restaurant,  and they made my mouth water.  Debbie enthusiastically told me, " GROVE will be one of our go-to eating destinations in 2019".

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE has three of the best productions around.  You're problem is finding tickets, as most performances are sold-out.  However, there is always stand-by, and wherever possible performances are added.  Either call at 941-366-9000; visit them at www.floridastudiotheatre.org, or visit in person at 1241 N. Palm Ave.



Held over is Tony winner A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder.  I wrote about this one a few weeks back.  Though a bit long, FST'S production mirrors the show I saw on Broadway several years ago. 


Unchained Melodies continues in the John C. Court Cabaret until February when it moves to the Keating.  Tickets for this exceptional performance are at a premium.

Continuing is recently opened Guitar Girls.  Have not seen this yet, but friends tell me "entertaining", "fast-moving", "memorable song book", "not as good as Melodies", but what is???  When you purchase tickets, as always, my advice is a subscription.

Added to the mix is Straight White Men which opened Thursday and runs through March 1, 2019.  Early reviews were positive.  I'll have more next week.

Original Music Man

ASOLO REP is nearing the end of its opening musical The Music Man.  I chose not to see this as show seems dated to me; however others have enjoyed the performance, and claim it has been updated and is on par with most opening attractions at this theatre. I've checked availability, and am happy to report YES.  Call 941-351-8000 or www.asolorep.org.

Lights are magical at Selby Gardens

One attraction that never grows old is LIGHTS in BLOOM throughout the holiday at Selby Gardens.   This 11-acre botanical garden comes alive at night with thousands of lights illuminating the many plants and orchids.  Open every evening until Christmas Eve.,  but if you are in for a party, the night of December 22 is for you.  Your ticket for the evening includes reserved parking, early admission, music and entertainment,open bar, buffet, and a selection of desserts.

  

One of the many highlights of this year's Van Wezel Broadway series is crowd favorite On Your Feet.  Dubbed a "jukebox musical" by NY Times, Feet tells the story in music of 26-time Grammy Award-winning husband and wife team Gloria and Emilio Estafan.  For those who don't know or remember, the beat is Cuban-fusion and includes hits Conga, 1-2-3, and Rhythm is Gonna Get You.  No longer on Broadway, Sarasota is one of the first cities to host Feet's national tour.

The dates are December 26-30 and includes matinee and evening performances.  For tickets the box-office is open daily from 10 or call 941-953-3368.  You can also purchase tickets on line at www.vanwezel.org.

Out of town guests and locals should enjoy what UTC is offering through early January.  Right in front of the Mall and on Cattleman is Holiday On The Green.  Along with the daily and nightly ice-skating, depending on the night there are movies on the lawn.  Either pack a lunch/dinner or take advantage of the several restaurants open to serve.  Among them, JPAN, Cassariano, Acropolis Greek Taverna and BurgerFi to mention a few.



One week left to see a return engagement of always popular, ALL SHOOK UP, at Players.  Featuring the songs of Elvis Presley; and who doesn't remember his music; this energetic cast of local performers gives you an entertaining and worry free two hours of music and corn!!  I have to warn you that along with noise from a motorcycle, there is an addition of Shakespearean theme as well.  Highly unusual, but it works.

Running through 12/23 with affordable $14--$32 tickets.  For yours call 941-365-2494 or www.theplayers.org.

JIM'S RANT.......The headline in Wednesday's Herald said it all..Goodbye G. WIZ.  Once the home of Selby Library , and then until recently a center for science and technology is being torn down to make way for the years away bayfront redevelopment project.  What a pity that not only will the building go, but so what use to be a main Sarasota tourist attraction.  Sarasota is to blame for letting G.WIZ deteriorate without ever updating  the exhibits.  For a city that prides itself for being a haven for the arts, this one is shameful..........Good to be back....see you next week...JIM