APRIL 14, 2019

GOLF RULES THIS SUNDAY.........

Going To  Be A Great Finish

Enjoyed a week away, travelling to a very cold and rainy NY.  While there saw a sure bet for a Tony this June; To Kill A Mockingbird.  Starring Jeff Daniels along with a truly stellar cast, it is Aaron Sorkin's modern version of Harper Lee's classic.   Tickets are scarce, but available.

BUT it's great to be back in Sarasota, where spring has arrived in all its glory.  This time of year, eating out is only a walk away, and this week, I'd like to begin with a restaurant review of a very good one!

 Discovered The Bodhi Tree Cafe last week after many recommendations from blog readers.  What took me so long???

Located in a charming cottage at  1938 Adams Lane in the Towles Court Art District just behind Indigenous.  And, in my estimation Bodhi Tree is a far better choice.

Bodhi Tree Entrance

Owned by chef Oscar and his wife Carolina,  Bodhi Tree's menu is a delicious mix of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, all created by Oscar.  If you're familiar with Sarasota restaurant history, then you'll remember Oscar from his first venture Uva Rara, which years later is Amore, and not nearly as good as its predecessor. 

Along with outside porch seating, Bodhi Tree is the right size for Oscar to provide delicious hot meals to all the customers.We sampled several items from the easy to maneuver menu, but we especially  loved the Burrata, Chicken Solare and Formaggi. 

Go with an appetite and be prepared for a charming and quiet evening of  Sarasota dining.  Dinner Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-8:30pm.

Next week I will review Lemon Tree, occupying former location of Louie's Modern.   If you've been there I'd like to have your comments before giving mine......I've had several already....

Sarasota as Featured in US News & World Report

Woke up this week to good and bad news about Sarasota.  According to a survey conducted for US News & World Report, our fast growing community is growing faster than any other in Florida!  After ranking No.34 in 2018, Sarasota jumps 16 spots to No. 18, making it the third-fastest growing metro area out of the 125 places on the list. 

Between 2013 and 2017, Sarasota saw a population increase of 13.1%.   For those of us who live here, this is not new news as construction and traffic are booming.  Even more enlightening is this comment...."offers a sizable market for those working in health care, small business and tourism."  We have become much more than a "retirement destination."  Oh well, I guess we'll have to learn to live with our traffic.

Several of you have written enthusiastically about the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School.  Carol Weis states..."I never could have imagined what a fantastic ballet company this is....beautiful costumes, superb dancing, choreography, lighting ...one of the best performances of my life!" And Jane Baum Rodbell adds...."the SCBS is an amazing gem in Sarasota."

You can see for yourselves how these non-professionals perform as well as the pros next month when the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School performs its end of year recital Sunday 7:00pm  May 12 at Booker High School.  No information yet on ticket pricing or where to pre-purchase, but I will have for you in a few weeks.  Tickets are always available at the door.  For more information call 941-365-8400.

NOT SO FAST!!

The long  awaited opening of 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop has happened.   Located on the ground level of The Desota at 1445 2nd Street, this stylish and comfortable taproom features 36 taps,  28 wines by the glass, and an assortment of made to order bites from popcorn to pretzel to cheese and crackers to small sandwich.  Seating for 38 along with ample standing room.

The bottle shop has over 99 bottles of beers on the wall, a selection of boutique wines and merchandise. All are available for to go purchase at reasonable pricing.

Open daily by noon and closing 10pm sun-thurs; 11pm fri-sat.  For more information including beer/wine classes and happy-hour specials, call 941-487-7874 or www.99botles.net.

Liza Minnelli  in Fosse Classic Cabaret

So many channels with original programming makes it difficult to watch any live.  My best suggestion is to tape the new FX  Fosse/Verdon and watch without commercial interruption.  Anything with the Hamilton creative team behind it has to be good. 

Fosse/Verdon is not only good, it's great.  Starring Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams, it tells the story of one of theatre's historic creative partnerships which included wild success, marriage and heartbreak.  Tuesday at 10:00.  You can pick up first episode On Demand.




JIM'S RANT....As another hurricane season approaches many of you are going to meetings for preparedness instructions.  Others are making plans to get out of town as soon as the first warning arrives.  And still more are waiting on our State Legislature to move forward a bill that would allow for removal of trees on residential property,  that up until now were protected by law.  Based on past experience with our Legislature...wait until next year.....Thanks for reading, and I'll see you next week....JIM