MARCH 3, 2019

THE SUN RISES ON SIESTA KEY WELCOMING THE MONTH OF MARCH

March marks the mid-point of Sarasota's winter season.  On March 20, we say goodbye to winter and hello to spring.  And in one week we really get started on spring by turning our clocks forward one hour.  So far, Florida's law establishing Daylight savings time is in limbo, as Congress as yet to approve the will of the people

Took a stroll through the EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES exhibit running until the end of

Art from Embracing Exhibit

March.  On a beautiful spring day, with the water on one side and skyline on the other you are in for a treat of discovery.  I've been to several of these presentations, but this year's is the best.





We are being bombarded with email, newspaper and television advertising heralding the March 14 opening of THE LION KING.  Though several performances are close to sell-out,  as I found out last week, good seats are still available for several performances through close March 31.  This longest running show in Van Wezel history is only the forerunner of future Broadway shows opening next year and beyond.

If you want to purchase tickets, my suggestion is drive to their box-office.  Their personnel are not only helpful, but patient as well.  You can also call 941-826-9303.  On-line is available at www.vanwezel.org, but best seats will be found at their box-office.

Already have tickets for KING, and are looking for an early dinner option before the show on it's three weekends of performances????  Look no further than THE ROSEMARY.  In order to meet demand of a nearly booked ROSEMARY AND THYME; along with breakfast and lunch, ROSEMARY IS offering a price fixe dinner the weekends of March 16,17,23,24,30 and 31.

THE menu offers three courses including a glass of wine with each course. .  If you don't want the three glasses he is offering a bottle of your choice instead.  All this for $50 pp.  Add a tip and tax and enjoy a complete night of LION KING.

Seating is limited beginning  at 5 with  a promise to have you out the door well in advance of your 7:30 show time.  Come back next week for more information, but call 941-955-7600 for reservations.  This special price fixe dinner is NOT available at ROSEMARY AND THYME. 








Happening now through next Sunday, FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL.   Celebrating the strawberry harvest of Hillsborough county, this event is attended by nearly one million visitors each year.  Open daily 10 a.m.-10:00 p.m.  Admission is $10 with an additional $5 for parking.  Discount tickets are available at all area Publix locations.

There is a midway with rides ranging from Ferris wheel to go carts.  The main attraction is the talent lineup which is plentiful.  Old time favorites Willie Nelson, Styx, and Tanya Tucker are joined by Martina McBride and Chicks with Hits among others.  For a complete lineup and other information visit www.strawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996.

Mark your calendar for next weekend, when the SARASOTA FINE ART FESTIVAL

Featured at Art Festival

returns to Gulf Stream Avenue & Main Street.  This one features juried art as well as sculpture, painting, jewelry, woodworking and more.  Open 10 am-5 pm both days, but on Saturday if you arrive early, you can take in the expanded Farmers Market a few blocks away between Lemon and 2nd Street.   If you don't come early, finding parking will be difficult.

THE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL  begins next week on March 6 and runs through the 17th.  This year's 10th Anniversary edition has scheduled a record 18 films.  The Ringling College of Art + Design is participating this year, providing an animated short created by a student from the school before each feature.

These films are meant to enlighten as well as provoke you.  Go with friends, have dinner or coffee and dessert after the movie and discuss what you've just seen.  Makes for a wonderful evening.  For tickets call 888-718-4253, Option 1.



Mark and Debbie join me this week with a review of recently visited SOCIAL.  Located 1219 1st. Street.  For reservations call 941-444-4702.  They write"...seated promptly for reservation.  They offer a full bar with mostly familiar brands of liquor and beer.  Wine list was ample.  Their party of 6 started with drinks and appetizer of charcuterie platter easily serving the group.  Dinners consisted of salads, crisp pizza and the evening's chicken special.  Large portions served right out of the oven.  Reasonably priced, valet parking, easy location.  We will definitely go back.

JIM'S RANT....So many restaurants to choose from these days.  I can remember only a few years ago, when we were complaining about the lack of food choices.  Now we have more than enough to satisfy our palates. However, there is a problem with many of the new restaurants, and its not the food, which in most cases good, but similar,.....it is the service!  The established restaurants are able to hold on to most of their good servers;  it is the new choices that have trouble holding on to theirs.......Thanks for reading.  Until next week....JIM