NOVEMBER 3, 2019

DID YOU REMEMBER TO TURN THOSE CLOCKS BACK LAST NIGHT........

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep.  Those pesky clocks Spring ahead Sunday March 10, 2020!!



The spectacular 2019/20 season of Sarasota Orchestra continues this week with Van Wezel concerts November 8-10.  Guest conductor Gerard Schwarz, fresh from his stint as Conductor Laureate of Seattle Symphony takes the baton for Classical Romance, the season's first Masterworks program.

Along with guest pianist Lise De la Salle, Schwartz leads the orchestra in a concert of exhilarating classical masterpieces by Mozart, Dvorak and Strauss.  Tickets from $35 at SarasotaOrchestra.org or 941-953-3434.  


Mark your calendar for Saturday November 9 for the 18th annual Suncoast Food & Wine Fest.  Taking place at the  Lakewood Ranch Premier Sports Campus, where you will be able to sample food and wine from dozens of restaurants including Seasons 52, Grove, Ophelia's, Capital Grille, The Rosemary and Thyme, and Sophie's, to mention just a few.  Tickets range from $85-$175 and can be purchased in advance at wwww.SuncoastFoodAndWineFest.com.

Along with the food is wine and continuous entertainment.  Gates open before 1 and Fest ends around 4.

The Sarasota Opera House is alive and well thanks to the Sarasota Opera production of ever-popular Rigoletto.  Starring in the company's eighth production of Rigoletto is William Davenport, who has been featured in past productions.  Joining him is another regular, Hanna Brammer who was seen here recently in The Magic Flute.  Real-time English translations are projected above the stage, making it easy to follow along, as this opera is in Verdi's native Italian.  

 
If you've never been to an Opera performance and are wondering the proper attire; you're in Sarasota!!  Dress comfortably and be yourself.  Appropriate dress can be anything from jeans and khakis to gowns.  I've seen men in shorts, but would not advise them.

Only a limited number of performances before closing November 17.  Tickets can be purchased at 941-328-1300 or sarasotaopera.org.

If you're into casual dining and don't mind being surrounded by large screen television carrying the sporting events of the day, then you should try Duffy's .  Serving Sarasota since early 2017, Duffy's offers more than 20 beers on tap, a wide variety of wine and full bar.   Their lunch and dinner menu offers ribs, burgers, salads and steak. 

Tastes as Good as it Looks

 We took advantage of a Prime Rib Dinner offered Fridays and Saturdays.  Available after 5:00 pm, and while supplies last, the dinner includes 10oz. of beef along with salad and side for only $21.95.  Our meal was delicious, filling, and with a Duffy's MVP card, received $20 credit towards the our next visit.  Located at 3005 University and open daily for lunch and dinner.



For a moment, try to  forget about the Selby Gardens Master Plan, and focus on the Gardens,

then head on over for their annual Orchid Show 2019: Blossoms of Asia.  Running through December 1, this show features orchids, of course, set in an Asian-inspired landscape.  These unique orchids are showcased within horticultural displays which demonstrate the cultural significance of the plant to Asian art, philosophy and religion.

This exhibit runs through the end December 1, unless held over.   Soon the magic of Selby will be highlighted by their yearly Christmas display of trees and plants.  Become a member and take advantage of Selby several times a year.  Great attraction for out of town guests.   Open seven days a week until 5pm.  Their website at Selby.org is available for lots more information.

We're one week away from All Faiths Food Bank annual Bowls of Hope.  Next Sunday, 11 am-2pm at Ed Smith Stadium, you can join your neighbors for a buffet of soups, breads, desserts and more.  For only $30 admission you receive a handsome ceramic bowl which is used for the soup and more available at the stadium.  If you have kids or grand kids under 12 their price is $10, but without the ceramic bowl.  

For advance ticket purchase call All Faiths Food Bank 941-379-6333 or email info@allfaithsfoodbank.org.  For a $100 donation, along with bowl and food, you receive quick check-in, reserved parking and seating.

JIM'S RANT....I recently signed a petition for  2020 Florida primary ballot to raise Florida's minimum wage to $15.  I'm pleased to see enough of you signed that same petition, and this issue will be resolved next year.  The restaurant industry among others claim profit and volume will go down once this measure takes effect.  I can only point to New York, where revenue and profit increased after a similar measure passed last year......JIM.....Thanks for reading...see you next week....

Rally for Minimum Wage Increase