VALENTINE WEEK FEBRUARY 10, 2019

YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO MAKE A DINNER RESERVATION FOR.......

But you better do it NOW, as most restaurants are booked solid for Thursday's Holiday Dinner.

Unlike thirty years ago, there are many choices in Sarasota when it comes to casual or formal dining.  Some would argue, too many, but with our expanding population, the more the merrier!!



There's a SIZZLING HOT new restaurant on 1st street.   SAGE is alive and well at 1216 First St., in the former home of  Tapas driven Ceviche.  Reservations are a must, but be prepared to wait a few minutes, unless you want outside seating on a well-heated undercover patio ( the night we were there it was too cool to try this option).  And if your table is not ready, head up the stairs or elevator to their cool roof-top bar and have your drinks there.

Food was outstanding, with a presentation worthy of fine dining.    Service was slow, but due to unexpected  full-house on a Tuesday night,  understandable.  Though pricey and noisy, that would not keep us from going again.  Finally a place for millennials and retirees to dine together.  Call 941-445-5660 for reservations.  


Several readers have raved about Urbanite Theatre's current production APPLES IN WINTER. The review when opened January called the performance both "riveting and gut wrenching."  Extended through 2/24, this one woman play starring Jennifer Fawcett tells the story of a warm, expressive woman who faces a life changing decision when she's asked to bake an apple pie.  

For those of you who have not been to this intimate theatre, there is not a bad seat in the house.   Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at Urbanite 1487 Second Street, 941-321-1397 or www.urbanitetheatre.com.  Best seating is on weekdays.

Sarasota Opera House

Sarasota Opera opened its winter season last night.   Running these next two months, if you've never been, it's something to try at least once.  Dress is from jeans to gown; whatever makes you comfortable.  Real-time English translations are projected above the stage so you can follow along,  whatever the language of the Opera.

Performances now through March 22 of TURNADOT. This Puccini classic takes place outside the Chinese Imperial Palace, where a Prince in exile, seeks the love of Princess Turnadot.  If successful, he will be rewarded with the princess' hand, if not, execution!  Along with a beautiful score comes magnificent singing.  We saw this a few years ago, and for non-opera goers, it was quite an experience.

Tickets from $19 at the box-office, 941-328-1300, or www.sarasotaopera.org.

 If Opera is not  your thing, then Florida Studio Theatre offers you an opportunity of seeing their always entertaining Cabaret or recently opened CURIOUS INCIDENT of the DOG in the NIGHT TIME.  First a book, then play and winner of 2015 Tony Award for best drama, Dog tells the story of an autistic boy mathematician who sees the world in a different way than those around him.


We saw this on Broadway shortly after it opened, and plan to see again with our season subscription to FST.  Playing through March 23, tickets are available for most performances.  For tickets their box-office is customer friendly or call 941-366-9000 or check them out on-line at www.floridastudiotheatre.org.  Season tickets for all shows are still available.

Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

The tent is up and in a few days, CIRCUS SARASOTA begins its yearly schedule of performances at Benderson Park.  For those of  you who are unfamiliar with  location it is behind UTC off Cattleman Rd. and Desoto Rd.  Each year features a new cast of International circus performers in a one-ring European style Big Top.  New this year is air conditioning!!

The 2019 show features incredible artistry on the Cyr Wheel , a modern blend of arial dance and horses galloping below, hand-to-hand acrobatics, high wire, juggling, and much more.

Tickets start at $15, with opening weekend 20% off, courtesy media partner ABC 7.  Box office open daily at UTC, or call 941-355-9805 or visit them at www.circusArts.org.  Become a kid again and go to the circus.  Running from 2/15-3/22.

Look For This  Sign

Have any loose change in your pocket?  You're going to need it if travelling to St. Armands Circle for food or shopping.  Beginning Tuesday,  their 500 car parking garage is up charging $.50 an hour, while meter parking is available for up to  $1.50 an hour.  Charges in effect daily 10a.m.-8p.m. Remember, it's only a short walk from parking in front of SMH walk-in clinic. where the area is meter free. SUNDAY IS FREE!

If you're stuck for change, or don't want to walk a block to the above meter, Sarasota has just announced it will accept payment through the PARKMOBILE APP.  Easy to download to iPhone and Android devices, the app will be available for use throughout St. Armands.  Just follow simple instructions when you log in with ZIP CODE.

JIM'S RANT....Are you still a newspaper reader?  I know from conversations with friends most get the Herald as a way of staying in touch with local happenings; not so much anymore for the news.  The Herald, on the other hand, seems to have decided less is better, and has cut down on editorial drastically, while increasing advertising space dramatically.  Turn the few pages and see ad after ad in their favorite colors of green or blue. And just this week in a green front page box NOTE TO READERS advising of additional content in their E-Edition!  I'm still reading, but only because I have to.....Thanks for reading.  Until next week.....JIM

FOOTNOTE...Last week's edition had an error in opening story which many of you caught; but too late for publication.  My opening story about Super Bowl had New Orleans as one of the teams and not New England.  No excuse... just wishful thinking after that atrocious non-call in the Championship Game.