MAY 5, 2019

PUT ON YOUR SOMBRERO AND DANCE....

And after dancing visit your favorite Mexican restaurant for a meal of rice and beans and more.  El Toro Bravo's two locations has a special day-long menu along with music and prizes and great food.

An Unforgettable Movie Moment

JUST ANNOUNCED.....Julie Andrews coming to Van Wezel November 14.  This Hollywood and stage icon remembered for her performances in Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and My Fair Lady, among others.  Scheduled for 7:30 November 14, the show will include a video montage of her work.  Ticket prices have not been announced, but go on sale Friday May 10.

Bur if your taste is not Mexican then you must head out to Shake Shack.  Recently opened at UTC in an front of mall on Cattleman.  Burgers are delicious, and prepared as ordered.  Fires are better than other fast food.  For hot dog lovers there is Vienna beef dogs.  Along with shakes, beer and soft drinks you won't go home hungry.  Along with Five Guys, this is best fast-food burger; though Randy S still favors Steak 'n  Shake.



There are few markets in our country willing to turn a garage opening into an event.   But
Sarasota did just that last week with its grand opening of St. Armands Garage, complete with ribbon cutting, bands and speeches.  Though costing in excess of $15 million, the city hopes to recoup the amount and more with paid parking and meters.  Maybe a second "grand opening" in the fall when snow birds return.

Several weeks ago, we were in NY for a Bar Mitzvah and had the pleasure of reuniting with several friends from our Baltimore days.  Here is a picture of two of them...Richard Sher and Howard Maleson; one a successful broadcaster; the other a top advertising executive.  The guy on the end is me.

Richard's Square Off has been a Baltimore Sunday staple for years, and he has Howard to thank for producing his high rated show.



Only a week left before Arts In The BALLPARK, celebrating 70 years of music,

as Sarasota Orchestra presents a two night outdoor event culminating with a spectacular fireworks display after the performance.  Women In Rock pays tribute to women of classic rock.  Music includes Tina Turner's Proud Mary, Pat Benatar's Hit Me With Your Best Shot, and Aretha Franklin's Respect among others.


Three Women Rock your favorites, joining the orchestra in a nostalgic night of music and fireworks.  Tickets sold at Ed Smith Stadium, 941-893-6300 or Orioles.com/Sarasota.  Kick off the Mother's Day weekend with this exciting show.



Dining out this

Jessica and George Welcome You to
The Rosemary

time of year finds your favorite restaurant less crowded.  You will also find specials to encourage you to eat out more often.  The ROSEMARY is staying open for dinner during May with a special too good to pass up.   On Monday & Tuesday from 5 to 8 pm for $30 get a 10oz Prime Rib Eye steak along with stuffed shrimp, salad, dessert and bottle of wine!

Steak as only Rosemary can Serve

Also, in conjunction with West Coast Black Theatre, with your meal comes a chance to win a 4-night stay in Tuscany with airfare.  Additional tickets available at THE ROSEMARY for $10 each.

Space limited so call now 941-955-7600.  


You still have time to catch Manatee Performing Arts Center season's last show, BARNUM.  Performances of this former Broadway favorite run through May 12.  In an era when circus as we've known it is pretty much over, the story of circus showman P.T. Barnum will take you back to your youth.  Cy Coleman wrote the music for this 1980 Broadway hit musical.  Steve Dawson, a Manatee staple plays the title role and sings the hit ballad The Colors of Your Life quite impressively. 



Tickets can be obtained by calling 941-748-5875 or manatee-performingartscenter.com.  There isn't a bad seat in the house.

In your mailbox or on newsstands now is always anticipated Sarasota Magazine's best of issue for 2019.  I agree with most of their choices; however they seem to favor advertisers when it comes to best restaurants. 

Several of my favorites are missing including afore mentioned Rosemary, Hyde Park Steakhouse and Bodhi Tree Cafe to mention a few.  If you don't want to buy the issue you can always go on line.






JIM'S RANT......Speeders beware!...In a recent email to Sarasota County sheriff's deputies.  their leader complained about overall productivity being way down; especially in numbers of speeding tickets.  Now that traffic has somewhat thinned, we all have a tendency to speed up.  Maybe it's time to slow down....JIM.....See you next week, and as always thanks for reading.....