SEPTEMBER 22, 2019

FOOTBALL IS BACK WITH A VENGEANCE 

BUCS CELEBRATE A SACK!!!

If you're reading Jim Knows Sarasota Saturday evening and have no plans for Sunday, good seats remain for the BUC/Giants game in Tampa.  If not there's always television or your favorite bar.

However, for future consideration, there is bus service along with ticket available from Sarasota for the ridiculous starting  low price of $66 including ticket and transportation. . 

Due to a home game in London, a bye week and road games, their next home game is November 10 against The Arizona Cardinals. Call 941-256-7738 for tickets.  Four more games follow including the December 22 tussle against Tom Brady's New England Patriots.

Tonight 8:00 the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards airs on FOX, honoring some of the biggest television accomplishments of 2018.  Several hours of boredom, but if you are a television viewer this one is for you.  Like the Academy Awards earlier this year the show will run without an emcee.  Tired of football?  Go For it!!



Took a walk to oldie, but goodie, SELVA GRILL, 1345 Main Street.  Now into its third ownership, this one only improves with age.  Reservations are a must, as on a Saturday night the bar, restaurant and outdoor patio were full to capacity.  The food was excellent, wine delicious and service impeccable.


Taking the idea of fusion food very literally, there's a mix of Latin American meets United States meets Asian cuisine on the menu, with a nod to Peruvian style dishes.  Along with a glass of wine we started our dining with a Short Rib Spring Roll and Chopped Salad. 

 We split our main course of Skirt Steak (a specialty for many years), served over sweet plantains, beet relish with their house chimichurri.  More than enough for two; especially with appetizer and salad.


Open nightly from 5-11 with extended hours on the weekend.  Unfortunately, not open for lunch.  Call 941-362-4427 for reservations or book through Open Table.



If you want to take time away from football Sunday October 6, then I suggest you spend part of the afternoon at  5 WOMEN- 1 SHOW,  featuring the works of several of Sarasota's finest artisans.   While browsing have some wine and cheese. 

Taking place at Raine Studio 728 Gillespie Avenue , 5 artists from  Karen Chandler's whimsical and yet evocative acrylic paintings & prints; Melodie Burris' unique furniture&accessories with coastal influence & European style; Lorrie Dickerson owner of Raine who designs handcrafted jewelry on site; Marla Katz who creates one of a kind sculptures, and friend Marlene Meyer whose unique napkin rings and coastal clutch purses will be available for early Christmas shopping.

Visit Sarasota County,  this week unveiled a new program to help stimulate September

traffic at participating businesses in the county.  Open to visitors and locals alike, the discount program affords savings from local hotels, attractions, restaurants, shops and more.  Over 100 deals are available at the 80 participating businesses.  

To get a pass go to www.SarasotaBigPass.com, and print it out. A physical pass is available at all Sarasota County Visitor Information Centers.   

Mixed Fruit and Granola

Green Zebra Cafe, the very successful St. Armands Circle restaurant has expanded to  Sarasota.  Located 1377 Main St. in the recently shuttered Mozaic,  Zebra's new location is a full service casual eatery offering an expanded menu along with wine and beer.  Open now for breakfast and lunch, plans call for special dinner offerings at a later date.

 On a recent breakfast visit, owner Ivan Iankiev was busy waiting on tables, but told me of his use of only organic products including free range poultry and eggs, organic milk and organic raw nuts from a scratch kitchen....everything prepared to order.  No microwaving here.  The menu is extensive, with a salad or sandwich or omelette to satisfy every pallet.


HELD OVER....You still have a chance to see FST production of Frankie Valli's greatest hits Who Loves You.  Extended for what should be the last time through October 13 to make room for the new season productions (more on those next week).  Call 41-366-9000 for tickets.

JIM'S RANT.....At long last the 12 weeks of construction from Main St. to State St. is finished.  More to come in that area, but at least the Merchants will have a chance to recoup some before season.  What is not finished, or close to is the roundabout on 14th and Tamiami, and the continuing road work from Fruitville  to the Van Wezel and beyond.  Season is close and so is the congestion sure to come next month.  If weather was not the hold-up what was????.......JIM........Thanks for reading..See you next week...

*******Apologies to Gloria Biberman whose name was misspelled last week********