DECEMBER 30, 2018

Best wishes for a safe and healthy New Year

Christmas eve and Christmas day are not the best day/night to eat out, but two very good restaurants were open to feed our stomachs.

COLUMBIA on the circle was wall to wall and then some Christmas Eve.  Even with a reservation, we had a 15 minute wait, which was well worth it.  Starting with hot bread and table made sangria, we ate our way through Cuban bean and rice soup, 1905 salad,  Chopped tomato, and stuffed mushroom.  No room for dessert, and nothing left to take home.  Server was Derian, who made best 1905 salad ever.  

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.

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!

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.

Umbrellas..coming soon

UMBRELLAS is the name of newest eatery in former home of First Street Chop House.  Located across the street from BIJOU, and around corner from Opera House, I have no further information other than name.  From looks of activity in recent days, they are months away from opening.  For those of you unfamiliar with the location, it has been home of several failures.



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.

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.



Always looking for a good bagel, and found one under my nose a few weeks ago.   Our walking group made a big discovery when,  rather  than wait at Starbucks for coffee,  we opted for WHOLE FOODS.  AND, much to our pleasant surprise, WHOLE FOODS has one of the best bagels in Sarasota.  

 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