DECEMBER 8, 2019

LIGHTS in BLOOM...............

Selby Gardens is the place to be for this and every Christmas season when 
beginning Saturday 12/4 and running over 18 evenings,  the gardens are transformed to an extravanga of lights and music.  

Stroll through a tropical holiday showcasing Selby Gardens at this most decorative time of the year.   They claim over two million lights throughout the gardens.  Whatever the number, it is a sight to behold and will be until January 2, when they turn their attention to SPRING! 

As always food and beverages from Michael's on East is available during display hours 6-9 p.m.  For more information go to selby.org.


Special thanks this week to Joan Blum and Debbie Yonker and who were first to report of a new Selva Grill location at UTC. They will be  located in an out-parcel next to Jared Jewelers N. Cattleman Rd.   

Under construction now, Selva anticipated opening late spring or early summer 2020; which when you think about it is right around the corner.....well, after the after Christmas sales are over.  

Darwin Santa Maria

For those who don't remember, Selva started as a family restaurant  in a shopping plaza on Beneva and Clark. Owner/Chef Darwin Santa Maria, his wife Lellys and sister in-law Liz worked tirelessly to make Selva a go to place for those who love Peruvian style cooking.  Oh my how they've grown. 

If you're lucky, you may run into the family at Darwin Evolutionary Cuisine, his very popular restaurant 4141 S. Tamiami Trail.  Easy to find, just steps away from Trader Joe's.




Season tickets for the 2020 TOWN HALL lecture series are still on sale and will be for the next several weeks.  As we get closer to General John Kelly's eagerly awaited presentation along with Q and A January 27, you might want to add this one to the stocking.  Call 941-309-5100 to reserve your seat today.  If you are not interested in the series, single tickets are going on sale shortly after the first.
To add your name to their wait list call 941-309-5100.  Price range, depending on location is $65-125.00.

If you're into comfort food, not too fancy, just lots of it, and pretty good, then Dutch Valley 6721 S. Tamiami Trail is the place for you.  Serving a breakfast menu all day, along with a large lunch and dinner menu, DV does not skimp on portions.  Most meals come with sides and dessert, almost enough to share; but more than enough to take home for a snack or meal.  Prices are ridiculously low for this no-frills diner-type restaurant.  And they even serve wine and beer!

 Lights in Bloom

By the time you read this, there will be less than three weeks left for Christmas shopping.  Some of your last-minute stress could be reduced by visiting Raine Studio 728 Gillespie Ave.  There, between 5-7PM, Marlene Meyer and friends return with their handmade and one-of-a-kind jewelry, mugs, painting and more for a last minute sale and show.

   Along with wine, cheese and  homemade sweets, you'll be able to shop til you drop.   







JIM'S RANT.....I was in the midst of writing this week's blog when a Vern Buchanan email hit my computer..."Death Knell for Robocalls?" He happily reported the U.S. House passage of a bill cracking down on illegal robocalls.  Though the bill needs Senate approval, Buchanan assures us that is a certainty!  Let's hope so.  A day does not go by without at least 3 of those irritating calls.... Vern, what took so long?  It's about time!!!!