JANUARY 6, 2019

READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL...............

JUSTIN TUCKER

MIKE DITKA

HOW LUCKY I AM TO HAVE TWO TEAMS PLAYING TODAY..........GO BEARS....GO RAVENS

Some of you will read this when results are final, but as I write this on Thursday, the weekend won't be here soon enough.  Hopefully, I'll be as happy then as I am today.

Because of Sunday games, had to change our tickets for FST'S well reviewed Guitar Girls to a February date.  I've told you many times, this venue is user friendly.  Walked up to box office Monday morning, and successfully changed tickets to February; though finding a date was not easy, as this show as well as Unchained Melodies are sold out!!  Several of you have seen Girls to generally enthusiastic recommendation.  Telling the story in song of female singer-song writers, much of the music will be recognizable from our youth.

Rudolph's

Best way to hunt for tickets is to visit their friendly box office which opens at 9 or call 941-366-9000.  Playing in the Goldstein Cabaret, that's also where you will find box office.

I wrote last week about newly opended Rudolph's in Modern Hotel, and asked for an opinion, since I have not been there.  Here's what an anonymous reader wrote...."No Parking.  You MUST use valet.  Generally disorganized.  Service real bad.  Breakfast tasted good-but not easy to eat poached eggs out of flat saucer. Ambiance in the bar is attractive.  Main restaurant is stark, plain, not very interesting.  Suggest waiting awhile to try it again...maybe they will have their act together."

Drove by again several times this week, only to find Rudolph's empty at most dining hours.

You still have a few days to purchase single tickets to RCLA lecture series beginning a week from Wednesday  on 1/16.  Shaquille O'Neal, former NBA star, TNT color announcer and entrepreneur is up first.  Call 941-309-5100 to reserve your seat for what promises to be a lively presentation of sports and business.  

We did something very different New Year's Eve.  Along with Buddy and Linda Kaufman, 

Delicious Complimentary Key Lime Pie

we  drove to Venice to dine and theatre.  Arriving under 45 minutes and finding a parking space in front of CAFE VENICE, we were seated quickly in a quiet rear booth.  This is a family owned restaurant, as most are in Venice.  Service, attention from staff, wine, food all better than many here.  Reminds me of Michael's, Bijou or Rosemary, to name a few here in Sarasota.

CAFE VENICE is changing locations, but only across to the other side of Venice Avenue at 101.  If you plan on a trip to this friendly city, I suggest calling Cafe Venice for a reservation at 942-484-1855.  There are several more  family owned restaurants in Venice, including the excellent Cassariano Italian Eatery,  which recently opened a branch in UTC area.  I have a complete list.

After dinner

we walked around the block to see Capitol Steps at their 8 o'clock performance of Make America Grin Again.  Not only grin, we laughed out loud for the almost 2 hours in the theatre.  If you've never been, VENICE THEATRE  is compact without a bad seat in the house.  Their next show is Always Patsy Cline Jan 11-Feb 3.  Call 941-488-1115 or visit them at VeniceStage.com for their year-round schedule. Well worth the ride.

Made an interesting discovery while doing research for this week's blog.

The real Neal Diamond

  Jay White and his Sweet Caroline show, which played New Year's Eve at Van Wezel will be at Venice Theatre next Sunday at 8pm.  Tickets for $42 less than 1/2 the price of Van Wezel.  When you're able to see a performer's hard work up close, in my estimation, it makes for a more meaningful performance.

VENICE THEATRE continues to add to their calendar.  You can go on-line to keep tabs, or keep it here and I will up date 

I enjoy rediscovering restaurants not visited in months.  Took a walk to CARAGIULOS on a balmy Sarasota evening and had a terrific meal.   Had a superb glass

of house merlot along with their warm bread.  Followed by their famous Chopped 1989 salad which can easily be shared.  The main course was one of their signature pizzas topped with caramelized  onions, sausage, mushrooms and broccoli.  Coffee and donuts served as dessert.  Though crowded inside and out, the noise was tolerable and service swift.

Caragiulos accepts reservations for parties of 6 or more at 941-951-0866.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR....Sarasota Art Festival kicks off the art/craft show season next weekend, January 12-13, 10AM-5PM Downtown Sarasota on Gulfstream!!!

JIM'S RANT......The saga called Tampa Bay Bucs continues.  Yes, I know, Dirk Koetter was fired Sunday before his shower, but he wasn't their only problem.  What about a GM who after 5 years has zero playoff games and one 2nd place finish.....has never been able to draft a capable place kicker....who made Jameis Winston the franchise quarterback only to have him under-achieve and be hit with 3 game suspensions for off-field antics....and has seen attendance fall to an all-time low in 2018.......Hope I'm wrong, but don't expect much in 2019....Thanks for making 2018 memorable.  Here's to more in 2019..........JIM

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RESTAURANT OPENING ALERT.......The wait is almost over......ROSEMARY  & THYME after many delays is opening in the next few weeks.  I am sworn to secrecy, but George is about to create the most talked about new restaurant/bar  in years! More next week.