FEBRUARY 2, 2020Spread

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY.....

Memories of Super Bowl Long Ago

Miami gets to host the 2020 SUPER BOWL, while the 2021 edition will be north of Sarasota in Tampa.  I'm sure many remember Tampa's last game in 2009 won by the Pittsburgh Steelers.  We go back to 1991 game in Tampa won by the New York Giants as Scott Norwood's missed field goal attempt to win the game went far right.   Played during Gulf War and featuring  Whitney Houston's memorable performance of the Star Spangled Banner.

With the popularity of pro football, and proximity of game a few exits away, Sarasota should see increased traffic, busy restaurants and few available hotel rooms the week before.


A week doesn't go by without a Downtown Sarasota Craft show.  Next weekend(Feb 8-9) is no exception, as the 32nd Annual Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts returns to its Main St at Orange location.   The wide Main st location allows for vendors on both sides of the street, and allows you to snack at the event, or have a sit down meal at several Main St. locations.

The Festival runs 10am-5pm both days.

PIZZA A PIZZA

Had dinner this week at a casual Italian restaurant at Parkway Collection Plaza.  For those of you unfamiliar with name, Plaza is location of $2.50 Movie Theatre, Outback, and Detwilers.  Appizza A Pizza has had several owners over the years, only to fail.  Not this time, as new owners have act together.  This is far from fine dining, just a casual neighborhood "joint" offering a wide range of food from pizza, pasta, salad and sandwiches.  Open lunch and dinner daily.

Food is prepared and delivered from open kitchen which can be seen from most tables with portions ample enough to be shared.  Wine, beer and dessert is also available.  Dine In or Take-Out at 6392 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd. 941-203-8537.  You can view menu on line at www.appizza,com.  

 Remember Wednesday?  A picture-perfect day to take a walk to Sarasota's Bayfront Park to view once again Embracing Our Differences.

 Spread along the water are 50 billboard-sized works of art, each accomplished by an inspirational quote.  And all with a sponsor responsible for its presence.  Winners of major prizes have already been determined; however, Best in Show for both student and adult chosen by visitors to the show.

Unconditional Surrender

I question their numbers, but according to promoters,  over 218,000 visited the park last year, with year's attendance projected to grow to 230,000.  Due to Super Bowl, expect that figure to rise appreciably next year.  The exhibit runs through April 5, 2020. 

While there you will be near our iconic Unconditional Surrender.  For those unfamiliar, this statue is a recreation of Life Magazine cover at the end of World War II.




Tuesday lunch this week was at one of Sarasota's

most popular restaurants,  The Rosemary.  Not a seat to be had inside, with one table available outdoors on a perfect afternoon for that.  Dinner continues to be available a few doors north at Rosemary & Thyme, but here's good news to those procrastinators who have not made Valentine's Day dinner reservations.  The Rosemary is open 6:30-10:30 with special menu accompanied by wine and music.  Call 941-955-7600 to reserve your table. 

The date of this issue says it all; less than 2 weeks before Valentine's Day.  You have a card, now how about a gift only a woman would love.  Next Sunday you'll have your chance as 5 Women 1 Show returns to Raine Studio, 728 Gillespie Ave.  From 2-5, shop while enjoying champagne, chocolate and strawberries.

By now the artists should be familiar to you; Lorrie Dickinson, Melodie Burns, Marlene Meyer, Marla Soloman Katz and Karen Chandler.


Space did not permit a review of new FST production American Dream.  Several have written favorably about this one, and you can read their reviews and mine next week....grab a ticket before its too late.

JIM'S RANT.....We've been going to TOWN HALL for several years.  The list of speakers covers most topics of interest and includes politicians, authors, athletes, and more.  The first 2020 lecture on Monday with General John Kelly introduced a new format where questions were delivered from stage and not audience.   Several bland questions left me yearning for more.  Please go back to old format!  One man's opinion.....JIM......See you next week....