JANUARY 5, 2020

THE ROAD TO SUPER BOWL LIV (54) GOES THROUGH BALTIMORE..................

This weekend marks the beginning of a march to Miami, when on Sunday February 2, 2020 a new Super Bowl Champ will be crowned.  Since it cannot be Chicago, what better team to claim the title than the Baltimore Ravens......


Hard to believe, but Van Wezel has its 50th season this year with a star-studded line-up for almost every musical. theatrical and comedy taste; but not with a hiccup.  The celebration concert featuring International recording artists, Il Divo has been cancelled due to an injury to one of the tenors.  The rescheduled date is January 15, 2021.  In its place is the April 28 opening night performance of Tony winner Come From Away.  We saw this in NY, and if you go, it will be a memorable evening.

At least 11 events are scheduled for this month, including the return of Steve Martin and Martin Short for an evening of fun and nostalgia Thursday January 23.  The Book of Mormon holds the stage January 7-12, followed by Waitress January 24-26.

For a complete schedule see  VANWEZEL.ORG.  Their box office is open daily 10am-6pm, or you can call 941-263-6799.  Season brochures also available on site or at  box-office.  See you there!!!

Lots of restaurant news this week......the grand opening of CIRCO, the latest creation of Tableseide Restaurant Group....the purchase of Main St.Cask & Ale by Gecko's owners.....and the return of SOL's NYC deli/ huh?

CIRCO's menu is full of Mexican delights from salsa, guacamole, tacos, homemade chips.  Along with your favorite bourbon, beer and Margarita, there is enough food and drink for a snack or dinner.  The restaurant is in an open space with ample bar or table seating.  Open for lunch and dinner 1435 2nd St. across from Whole Foods.  And that's where you can park if driving. 


PBNT, Plaza Burgers 'n' Tacos at 1409 Main st., is now known as Plaza Burger 'n' Tavern;  part of American Dreams restaurant group which operates next-door steakhouse Element and seafood restaurant Duval's.   The idea is to make PBNT a three meal restaurant with a broader menu with quicker service than the their other two more casual dining experiences.

The Cask & Ale plans are yet to be announced, though the new owners are leaning to a seafood based menu.  The current menu will not be changed until end of season.  At that time, the restaurant will close and open with new identity in the fall.

Sol Shenker in Indigo Kitchen

 SOL, aka Chef has never gone away, landing back where he began it all at Hotel Indigo as their chief chef.  But this week he brought back (in part) some of his NYC deli specialties as part of their lunch and dinner menu.

Friend and bike enthusiast Randy S, who along with Brian W were among Sol's first Main St. customers in November 2015.  Since then, Sol has attempted his deli offerings in numerous locations, only to close for unannounced reasons. 

Fake News

 Randy writes.."Sol's version of "authentic" does not exist anywhere on the planet, and his bread falls to pieces the first time you attempt to pick up your sandwich.  A classic example of fake news is the picture with caption "One of the sandwiches served at Sol's NYC Delicatessen.  Randy, Brian and myself wish him well and hope this time he lives up to his promises.

By now your Christmas/Chanukah presents should be open and safely stored somewhere in your home, and you're ready for more shopping!!!  Kick off the 2020 season of Art-Craft shows next weekend at Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival JD Hamel Park at Gulfstream and Main St.  Familiar artisans along with new additions will make your visit memorable.  Open both days 10am-5pm.  Food and entertainment should make your visit an entertaining one.

A new year brings an opportunity to visit one of our many cultural attractions which you might have missed in 2019.  The John and Mable Ringling Museum features great art and crafts along with the best glass exhibit on the west coast.  And, every Monday is FREE admission day if you are a Florida resident.  Located 5401 Bayshore 10AM-5PM with plenty of free parking across the street from Museum.

JIM'S RANT.......In keeping with football theme, I am going to weigh in on Buc's QB, Jameis Winston.  Until last week's Falcons game, I was all in for franchising him for at least another season.  However, Jameis's last pass of 2019 went for a game losing pick six, and for me was the last straw. Each 2020 interception would be an ugly reminder of career struggles keeping the ball away from the opponent's defense.....Jim.......Thanks for reading...Have a great week.....