Diversions eEdition 02.14.13

Diversions YourObserver.com

A&E

THURSDAY, February 14, 2013

food

Native artist gets back to his roots.

PAGES 2 and 3

Blogger Jaden Hair releases cookbook.

PAGE 15

HOME&GARDEN | home of the month

BLACK TIE

Conservation Foundation’s Palm Ball PAGES 16

by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer

Courtesy of Martie Leiberman and SRQ360PHOTOGRAPHY

Architect Jack West remodeled the house in 2000.

Artistic History A modest home in Pine Shores provides a lively look at 50 years of American art and design.

HOME&GARDEN COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

2

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: Homegrown talent

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Under Sarasota’s Influence Sarasota master and native Craig Rubadoux traveled the world, but he always comes back to his artistic roots.

P

It’s difficult (work) for me, but it’s more fun to struggle.

— Craig Rubadoux

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

ainter Craig Rubadoux takes out a photo encased in plastic for protection and explains to his friend and fellow painter, Robert Baxter, that he once spilled India ink on it. The ink remained until recently when he cleaned it off to uncover a yellowed photo of his peers and him on the steps outside of Ringling College. He tells Baxter that in the photo he is 17, but he thinks he looks much younger. Rubadoux’s younger face looks strikingly familiar, but the 75-year-old’s hair is now salt-and-pepper.

In 1950, when he was just an elementary student beginning to put his ideas on paper, Sarasota Art Association hosted Rubadoux’s first show. The then 12-year-old’s work was displayed in the front window of the association’s building. Money was tight for Rubadoux’s family. He’d salvage small frames then paint landscapes or circus animals on paper to fit inside them.

When his parents took his brother and him to Myakka State Park, they couldn’t afford to rent oars, so they paddled with palm fronds, instead. But, he didn’t mind; he loved Florida nature — it’s part of what inspires him today. Rubadoux often sketched landscapes as a little boy.

OUT TO LUNCH

Discover What Makes Sarasota Bay Club So Different!

Designing Women Boutique Ambassadors’ Guild ~A FUNDRAISING EVENT ~

Sarasota Bay Club offers outstanding services and amenities that are personalized to fit your lifestyle. From complimentary valet parking to fine dining on chef prepared meals, the freedom to design the ideal retirement lifestyle is all yours.

FEATURING THE AUTHORS OF

“Mrs. Kennedy

&

Me”

Sarasota Bay Club ownership is carefree, with all maintenance included, and complete health care & rehabilitation services conveniently located on-site.

z

“I love the beauty of living on the bay, yet still so convenient to fine dining and the arts. Sarasota Bay Club was definitely the right choice.

This is the place!”

Shirley Fein

Sarasota Bay Club Resident

z

MARCH 5, 2013, 11:30AM

Full-Service Retirement Living On Sarasota Bay

AT SARASOTA’S NEWEST BALLROOM VENUE, ‘THE FRANCIS’ 1289 N. PALM AVE.

Luncheon & Tour! Tuesday, February 19th

HONORARY CHAIRS & MAJOR SPONSORS Jean Weidner Goldstein & Alfred Goldstein Mary Ann Robinson

11:30 am – 1:00 pm. RSVP (941) 552-3284. Space Is Limited.

Join us for lunch and discover the value Sarasota Bay Club has to offer.

EVENT CO-CHAIRS Bert Minot Chris Sancin Ida Zito

Please Call To Attend Our Luncheon Event Or Schedule Your Personal Tour Today!

Linda Ware or Dana Moe (941) 552-3284

PATRON

BRONZE

Bert Minot Ida Zito

Sandy Greenberg

ANNUAL MEDIA SPONSORS

Chris & John Sancin

PROGRAM Holly L. Barbour M.D. 101969

SILVER

103673

1301 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34236 (941) 366-7667 • www.SarasotaBayClub.com

Tickets are $95 per person DesigningWomenBoutique.org ~ 941-366-5293

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

3

// Arts&Entertainment Left: Rubadoux keeps a photo of his mentor, Ben Stahl, on his refrigerator. Below: He occasionally attaches a shell or knick-knack to a magnet. His whole refrigerator is covered in memories and magnets, including a photo of his home in Nova Scotia.

if you go ‘Old Friends, New Paintings’ featuring Craig Rubadoux and Robert Baxter When: Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 6 to 9 p.m. first Fridays

 Old friends Craig Rubadoux and Robert Baxter talk about the time they hired a model to pose in Rubadoux's garden (in which they are sitting).

Where: Dabbert Gallery, 76 S. Palm Ave. Cost: Free Info: Call 955-1315 torn black-and-white photo hanging on his refrigerator with a handmade shell magnet — it’s of the group that traveled with him to Spain, consisting of Stahl’s family and even a cook.

Rubadoux’s art took him on adventures all around the world, from Peru to Mexico to his seasonal home in Nova Scotia, where he still spends the summers. During his travels, he immersed himself in each country’s culture. He made visiting each country’s museums a priority. He also sketched people on the streets.

He recalls a work by Caravaggio he saw in a cathedral. He doesn’t remember what it was called, but it was of a man under a horse — most likely “The Conversion on the Way to Damascus.” Just as he was looking at it, big, thunderous organ music started playing suddenly.

He also remembers seeing Masaccio’s “The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden” in Italy, for which tourists had to pay 100 liras for the lights to be illuminated. They were on a timer, so when

they went out, Rubadoux had to pay 100 more liras to keep viewing. He chuckles to Baxter, as he shares these memories.

Rubadoux and Baxter have been best friends for almost 50 years. They met while working in the early ’60s as professors at a correspondence-based art school in Westport, Conn. Baxter has a favorite memory of Rubadoux.

Every day at 4 p.m. following work, Rubadoux headed to the beach (he’s always lived by the water, and says it’s a requirement). He sketched every evening and then showed it to Baxter the following morning. By the end of the summer, he had a full portfolio of work. When Rubadoux returned in 1970, from Connecticut to Sarasota, he had a “portfolio sale” and sold almost every sketch.

Baxter and Rubadoux lived in different states for about 40 years.

But, around 2000, Baxter moved to Siesta Key and immediately looked up his friend, Rubadoux, who had been teaching in France.

Now, Baxter and Rubadoux walk

to the beach together once a week, and often while there, they’ll both sketch.

Luckily, it’s much easier for Rubadoux to afford the perfect frame for his Sarasota-inspired work than it was when he was 12.

No longer is his work in a little window display. Now it’s featured in many public and private collections, such as The John and Ringling Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum, in New York. Currently, his work is on display alongside Baxter’s at Dabbert Gallery, where the duo has a two-man show.

Rubadoux calls his work a journal of his life and what he sees — dogs, people or whatever is going on in his life at the time.

He usually mills around slowly in the morning, then works late morning to late afternoon. These days, his work is becoming more abstract — he’s forcing himself to learn new methods.

“You can’t see any references (to real life),” he says. “It’s difficult (work) for me, but it’s more fun to struggle.”

re-imagine

Endearing

3979 South tamiami trail (941) 921 4016 | (941) DiamonD DiamonDVaultJewelerS.com

loose Diamonds | engagement rings | Fine Swiss watches custom Design | estate Jewelry | Full-Service repair

Y our JewelrY experience reimagined

est. sarasota 1978 103531

just worked really hard.”

His Sarasota High School art teacher, Margaret Clements, thought Rubadoux showed promise, so, at age 17, she introduced him to his mentor, fellow Sarasota master Ben A. Stahl, with whom he apprenticed.

Around the same time he met Stahl toward the end of high school, he won a yearlong scholarship to Ringling College of Art and Design and studied figure drawing at age 17. He made his sketches look as realistic as possible.

“I didn’t have the money to go anywhere else,” he says, explaining why he couldn’t afford additional schooling following his year at Ringling.

After Ringling, Rubadoux learned from travel and new experiences.

In the late ’50s, Stahl took him to Italy, France and Spain. Rubadoux lived in the sleepy little town of Torremolinos, Spain, for three years.

“It’s a lot different now,” he says.

Rubadoux points to another

104241

“My mom said I was always drawing,” he says. “Because I (could control a pencil) and make straight, decent (letters), I decided to be a painter — that’s all I could do and wanted to do.”

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performers entertained on the weekends with free, open rehearsals, and Rubadoux’s mother, Jeanine Constantin, frequently took her son. Rubadoux sketched the performers and exotic animals.

“Clowns and strange figures turn up in my work sometimes,” he says of the influential experience.

Once he got a little older, he melded his favorite hobby with real experience. In high school, he joined Sarasota Art Association, now known as Arts Center Sarasota. Rubadoux took four community watercolor lessons; a few periods of art classes as a senior at Sarasota High School; and drew illustrations for the school newspaper.

“I guess I was self-taught with a little training,” he says. “Mostly, I

4

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: COLUMN

HEARD

Hot Ticket FST Improv: FST Improv uses audience suggestions to create hilarious characters, situations and sketches on the spot. The group’s run ends Feb. 23, so get tickets while they last. See the show 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16, if you need something to laugh about following Valentine’s Day. Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Tickets $12. For more Courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre  FST Improv information, call 366-9000.

By Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor | mgnaegy@yourobserver.com

Photos by Mallorgy Gnaegy

Kander and Shakespeare cuddle in the sun outside the FST offices.

and Beckett. Hopkins took them all to the vet where they were spayed and vaccinated. The cats have slowly disappeared and it’s down to Kander and Shakespeare. Hopkins believes they have been “stolen,” or mistaken as strays, but hopes they are in good homes. If someone takes Kander, however, “That would break my heart!” Hopkins says.

It wouldn’t be the first time she’s lost a beloved FST cat. Albee was around for seven years before she died, and many patrons were vocal about their grief.

“It’s good luck to have cats around,” she says. She explains that in the old days, sailors were hired to do pulley work at rat-infested theaters, so they would bring the dock cats along to eat the mice.

“They catch a rat every once and a while,” she says.

And they leave it for Hopkins at the bottom of the stairs.

 Introducing FST’s new-ish staff kittens

 Every dog has its day

Eight months ago, Rebecca Hopkins, managing director of Florida Studio Theatre, found Kander, a kitten in a dangerous area of the about-to-be-renovated Gompertz Theatre. Hopkins coaxed her to a safe area by the old buildings when she noticed another kitten, Ebb. In October, Kander had a litter of kittens the staff named after playwrights Shakespeare, Shepard, Tennessee, Ionesco

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, area dogs had the opportunity to become the next top dog of Sarasota with an audition for a role in Sarasota Opera’s “Of Mice and Men.” The role called

last resort and not the first option — it’s expensive and there are too many casualties lost. These soldiers weren’t numbers to him.

For a war to be worth fighting, Gates believes we should stay true to the doctrine “a clear and present danger.”

“In the past years I think we are too ready to reach for a gun to solve problems,” he says.

Dr. Robert Gates

 Signing a name to 3,400 lives lost On Tuesday, Feb. 5, former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates spoke as part of the Ringling College Library Association’s Town Hall Lecture Series. Before the lecture, he took part in a Q&A roundtable of journalists.

We asked him about the 3,400 condolence letters he wrote to families who lost a loved one in action.

“I never wanted those who had fallen to become a statistic for me,” Gates says.

Gates had a routine when he was notified that a soldier died in action. He would request a photo and clippings from the soldier’s community newspaper so he could read comments from family, friends, ministers, teachers and coaches.

“I got to know a little bit about each one of these young people and how they liked to hunt or fish,” he says. “It allowed me to make a connection with each of them.”

Gates thinks war should be the

‘Soul Crooners 2’: West Coast Black Theatre Troupe’s first “Soul Crooners” featured WBTT men crooning music of the 1970s.

The same guys are back by popular demand for the second showcase beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, and running through March 24. West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, 1646 10th Way, Sarasota. Tickets $28. For more information, call 366-1505. for a medium-sized, old, ragged, herding dog — one on its last leg. It’s a 20-minute scene that requires the dog to lie still and possibly wear a little stage makeup. Seven dogs thought they were right for the part, but only one will get the paid position.

CoCo, a 3-year-old Bouvier des Flandres, will hire a press agent and host a Facebook page if she gets the role, her owners Fonda Giacoia and Michael Hickmott joked.

St. Berdoodle Ben isn’t a newbie, and has mod-

 Ben, the service dog St. Berdoodle, is available for acting and modeling.

eled and gone on several auditions — he even has his own headshots and personal photographer. But his mom, Jeanine Brawn, has been a dog trainer since 1974, so being a good boy comes naturally.

Nine-year-old Roscoe, a chowshepherd mix, has a real limp (a plus for the role). In 2010, he starred in “Two Gentlemen of Verona” at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. He beat out 45 other dogs for the role. He came with his resume in paw. If he doesn’t get the part, his tail will still be wagging.

Online Read Popcorn Bob's Movie Magic reviews of “Identity Theft,” “Side Effects” and “Warm Bodies.”

SAVE FEbruAry 1 – April 2, 2013

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS at Longboat Key Center for the Arts

SAVE FEbruAry 1 – April 2, 2013 $

SAVE FEbruAry 1 – April 2, 2013

25 rebate*

SAVE FEbruAry 1 – April 2, 2013

$25 rebate* * per unit rebate Duette Architella

$25

Join us for a night of jazz with the

®

®

unit rebate ® Silhouette Window Shadings or Silhouette Window Shadings or ® Modern roman Shades Vignette Modern roman Shades Vignette per per

®

$25 rebate* unit $ * per per A$ brilliAnt ideA fAshions. unit in window 50 rebate Duette *Architella unit 50 rebate ®

®

®

® for Modern roman Vignette your need electricShades lighting during the and stylish. Ask for details.

Silhouette Window Shadings orday. silhouette® window reduce shadings disperse the sun’s rays intosmart soft, natural light, which can ® Modern roman Shades Visit our expansive showroom per reduce your need forVignette electric lighting during the day. smart and $ * unit stylish. Ask for details.

A for brilliAnt ideA in window fAshions. all your Custom Hunter silhouette window shadings disperse the sun’s rays into soft, natural light, which can ® Silhouette Window Shadings or Douglas Window Treatments ® reduce your need forin electric lighting during thefAshions. day. smart and stylish. Ask for details.

A brilliAnt ideA window Silhouette Shadings Vignette® Modern roman Shades as well asWindow Custom Draperies silhouette® window shadings disperse the sun’s rays into soft, natural light, which can and Bedding. reduce your need for electric lighting during the day. smart and stylish. Ask for details.

Silhouette® Window Shadings ®

®

50 rebate

A brilliAnt in window fAshions.

Celebrating 24ideA Years!

® silhouette window disperse the sun’s rays into soft, natural light, which can First Place Reader’sshadings Choice *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 2/1/13–4/2/13 from participating dealers in reduce your need electric lighting during the day. smart and stylish. Ask for details.

18 Years in afor Row! the U.S. only. Limitations and restrictions apply. All rebates will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card. Ask

participating dealer& for Blinds, details and rebate form. This rebate offer may not be combined with any other Hunter Douglas offer Wallcoverings Inc....Since 1989

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

or promotion. © 2013 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

M-F: 9:00-5:00●Sat. 10:00-3:00●Sun. Closed *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 2/1/13–4/2/13 from participating in Across from Thedealers Landings

941.925.7800 2/1/13–4/2/13 fromand participating dealers in Janet Curt Mattson Owners the U.S. only. Limitations and restrictions apply. All rebates will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. This rebate offer may not be combined with any other Hunter Douglas offer or promotion. © 2013 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

the U.S. only. Limitations and restrictions apply. All rebates will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card. Ask participating dealer for details and*Manufacturer’s rebate form. This rebate offer mayrebate not be combined with for any other Hunter Douglas offer made mail-in offer valid qualifying purchases or promotion. © 2013 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks mmwallcoverings.hdwfg.com used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

COST:

941.383.2345

* per unit rebate *

$50

® ®

CONCERT: 7:30-9:30pm

FOR TICKETS CALL

$50

A brilliAnt Silhouette ideA window fAshions.

Window Shadingsdisperse or silhouette in window shadings the sun’s rays into soft, natural light, which can Honeycomb Shades

Silhouette® Window Shadings

DOORS OPEN: 7pm

$20 in advance $25 at the door

Duette® Architella® Honeycomb Shades

104296

February 22

*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 2/1/13–4/2/13 from participating dealers in Gulf Coast the U.S. only. Limitations and restrictions apply. All rebates will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. This rebate offer may not be combined with any other Hunter Douglas offer Connoisseur or promotion. © 2013 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

Club cash may *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 2/1/13–4/2/13 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Limitations and restrictions apply. All rebates will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card. Ask be redeemed at: participating dealer for details and rebate form. This rebate offer may not be combined with any other Hunter Douglas offer or promotion. © 2013 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

A r e Yo u A T r Av e l C o n n o i s s e u r ?

The Thomas Carabasi Samba Jazz Quintet, formed in 2004, performs music from Brazil and the U.S. that is grounded in great rhythm and melodic lyricism. The band members vary but Thomas, Patrick Bettison, and of course Phill Fest had the privilege of playing with the late Brazilian piano maestro and composer Manfredo Fest. They continue in theis great tradition of reinterpreting Bossa Nova, Samba, and Jazz music.

Travel Connoisseur Club members receive Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club gift card rewards plus Virtuoso or American Express Platinum benefits!

By invitation only. Contact us for details.

For more information about LBKCA programming for the 2012-2013 SEASON call 941.383.2345 or go to our website: ringling.edu/lbkca

Receive up to $1000

Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club cash when you book with Admiral Travel!

101567

6860 Longboat Drive South Longboat Key, FL 34228 Hours: Tu - Sa 11am to 5pm

®

Duette Architella Silhouette® Window Shadings ® Silhouette Window Shadings Honeycomb Shades

Thomas Carabasi Samba Jazz Quintet

Friday, February 22, 2013 Featuring: Kenny Drew, Jr. on Piano Phill Fest on Guitar & Vocals Terezinha Valais on Vocals & Percussion Patrick Bettison on Bass & Harmonica Thomas Carabasi on Drums & Percussion

®

per unit

Honeycomb Shades

FRIDAY

®

SAVE FEbruAry 1 – April 2,rebate 2013

SAMBA JAZZ CONCERT and special guests, as they warm up LBKCA with their Latin inspired beats

per unit

Duette Architella $25 * per Honeycomb Shades unit ®

Admiral Travel international Fete Catering

Michael’s Catering Michael’s on east Michael’s Wine Cellar Pattigeorge’s Polo Grill and Bar

941.951.1801 • AdmiralTravel.com Downtown Sarasota: 1284 North Palm Avenue

101745

scene

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: Backstage Pass

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

A Labor of Love

For stagehand Larry Connatser, love was the ticket to gaining admission into the supportive and loyal Players family. leaving a legacy

Photo by Mallory Gnaegy

“We’d read lines at the house,” Larry Connatser says of he and his late partner, Doug Nelson. “Until ‘Full Monty,’ we were reading lines and then his voice went and he had to step out.” on stage, and the other backstage.

It’s also common for friendships among the casts and crew to develop: Nelson’s five years acting there exemplify this. His theater friends quickly welcomed Connatser.

When Nelson was cast in “The Full Monty” in April 2012, Connatser willingly joined the backstage crew.

Early into “Full Monty” rehearsals, doctors diagnosed Nelson with throat cancer, and he had to step down — but he encouraged Connatser to continue volunteering. When Connatser would get home from the theater around midnight, he cared for Nelson.

“Full Monty” is Connatser’s favorite production because of the cast’s chemistry. “(We) still get together once a month a year after it ended — that’s the neat part about it,” he says.

He mentions five individuals he has grown close with in particular: Tim Fitzgerald, Dennis Paquin, Brooke Wagstaff, Michael Newton-Brown and Bobby Burrell.

Despite his illness, Nelson came to see “Full Monty” opening night April 25, 2012. His illness developed into stage three cancer through the next few months. He died Oct. 2. During Nelson’s final hours, Connatser and their five

friends stood by him.

To this day, Connatser continues his backstage work — for Nelson and because he enjoys the quick pace.

“You either enjoy it or you don’t,” he says. “God, yes (I enjoy it)!”

The weekend after the wrap of “Sunset Boulevard” Jan. 27, Connatser started work on “9 to 5” rehearsals. He will spend five to six evenings a week working on productions for the rest of The Players’ season.

Connatser orders DVDs of all performances because he only gets a side view during productions. “Sunset Boulevard” is no ex-

In late October, The Players held a memorial in the lobby to share memories of the late Doug Nelson. Larry Connatser brought 30 pieces of Nelson’s original watercolor to showcase his talent beyond the stage.

Connatser was saddened when he later found out from theater executives that three former Players actors had died without the means to pay for wills and funerals. So, as an effort to keep Nelson’s legacy alive, Connatser is now in the early stages of starting the Doug Nelson Foundation and will sell Nelson’s work to raise funds to benefit local actors who can’t pay for wills and funerals. ception. Connatser plans to have his Players friends over to watch it. And, after The Players’ season is over, he’s going on a cruise with two of his Players friends.

He plans to return backstage next season, and every season following.

“I always said I’d stay involved after (Nelson’s) time came,” Connatser says.

He proudly has his own corner stage left, with his own set of headphones — and he’s considering the role of assistant stage manager for April’s “Side Show.”

Connaster thinks Nelson would get a kick out of how much he enjoys his work.

104335

The Players stagehand Larry Connatser became involved at the theater in spring 2011, when he and actor Doug Nelson started dating.

Nelson’s previous relationship had ended because of his commitment to theater: daily rehearsals from 7 to 10 p.m.; weekend rehearsals; and month-long runs of performances. Naturally, Nelson was nervous Connatser would also be scared off by his hectic schedule, so he introduced him to his Players family from the start of the relationship.

“Dating” in the couple’s early days involved Connatser sitting in on rehearsals of “Over the Tavern.”

Director Kelly Woodland cast Nelson as the lead role, Chet Pazinski.

Connatser attended rehearsals daily and, then, a few weeks later, Nelson put him to work backstage.

“I had no interest in theater until I met Doug,” he says. But Connatser fell fast in love with volunteering backstage — and with Nelson.

While Nelson was performing, Connatser set the stage; placed props; changed the set; and moved it off stage after the show.

Connatser says 90% of running backstage is common sense; the other 10% is technical. He learned along the way.

“I only told him I’d get involved in the theater to keep seeing him,” Connatser chuckles. “It turned out to be a little joke until he realized I was actually committed.”

It’s common at The Players that one member in a relationship acts

5

6

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: REVIEWS

Music // Opening Night at the Opera: ‘Turandot’ The stars were out this weekend when the Sarasota Opera opened its 2013 season with Puccini’s passionate “Turandot.” The largest and most grand of operas Sarasota Opera has presented, this lyric drama of ancient China calls for the most singers on stage and instrumentalists in the pit. Before the curtain went up, with visions of Zeffirelli chock-a-block in our brains, we feared director Stephanie Sundine would go for enormous and fill the stage with teeming throngs so busy the music would be overwhelmed, or she’d go for a chamber mini version that would look trivial.

Sundine did neither. Rather, she — with the help of scenic designer Michael Schweikardt and lighting designer Ken Yunker — turned the comparatively diminutive area into a microcosm of ancient Peking, using the chorus, which, in this opera is one of the most important characters, to comment on and advance the drama.

And drama there was. Princess Turandot, played with just the right mix of icy trepidation and melting passion by Brenda Harris, is an almost super-human figure. She thinks she is beyond human, a goddess, too aloof and superior to be touched by the evil promulgated, she’s sure, by men. Untouchable, impeccable and, most importantly, unattainable, this ice princess is terrified of men because they silenced the beautiful voice and life of an adored ancestor and she will not allow that to happen to her.

Harris, with a voice bigger than all Peking itself, manages to combine the steely resoluteness of the princess with the terrified woman beneath and, through a trio of incomprehensible Chinese riddles, entices men

from afar to guess the answers and marry her or fail at the riddles and lose their heads.

Threes abound in “Turandot.” Along with the three riddles, there are three courtiers — Ping (Matthew Hanscom); Pang (Marvin Kehler); and Pong (Eric Bowden), harlequin-type characters, clowns and pawns of the court, who, in Sundine’s brilliant staging and their believable acting and singing, become mere men, pining for their hometowns and fearing for the future of their beloved China.

Thanks to the Unknown Prince, Jonathan Burton, this opera has a happy ending, because he’s not only kind and compassionate, he’s also smart, and he, of all Turandot’s suitors, unravels her riddles and wins her hand. Burton has some unraveling to do with the audiences, as well. While he must match the steely but beautiful Turandot in both voice and eminence, he must also convince an audience, whose ears have been filled with the sound of Pavarotti, and sing the role and the well-known aria, “Nessun dorma,” like a god. Burton did it all and came away with a roar of well-earned approval.

Puccini, a great man of the theater, has inserted other characters into “Turandot,” who make this tale even more believable.

Sarasota Opera stalwart basso Young Bok Kim, with makeup and hair designed by Gabrielle Vincent and Anne Ford-Coates of Elsen Associates, looks more ancient than the Great Wall, itself, but sounds rich and poignant as Timur, a deposed Tartar king and father of the Unknown Prince.

Maria Natale is the honorable, beautiful young slave girl Liu who has aided Timur on his travels until he’s reunited with his son.

Sometime in the past, the Prince smiled at Liu and she fell madly in love. In her first aria, “Signore, ascolta,” Natale’s warm lyric soprano simply melted the final words, “ah … pieta … ” and the audience instantly fell in love with her.

This is an opera about love. The Prince

Courtesy

Brenda Harris in Sarasota Opera’s “Turandot” doesn’t want Turandot as a prize; he wants her to love him. So, even after he’s solved the riddles and won her, he decides to put a riddle to her and, if she solves it by dawn, he will still lose his life. But, if she cannot find the answer, she will be his. His question seems simple: She must tell him his name.

Only Liu knows and, realizing she may break under torture, she kills herself — for love. And that melts the icy façade Turandot has carried all those years.

The Sarasota Opera production melts our hearts, as well. Yunker’s way with lighting and color (look for the magnificent green night sky with twinkling stars that blooms into a renewed dawn in the third act!) and Howard Tsvi Kaplan’s understated peas-

ant costumes compared with the splendor of Turandot’s robes, make this a miniature giant-of-a-production.

Then, there’s the all-important orchestra in the pit, which, under the direction of Victor DeRenzi, played at its very best. DeRenzi has gotten inside this score and melded orchestral sound with vocal opulence to the best possible effect. We wish they and the first-rate chorus would have had a curtain call to call their own.

This is a “Turandot” that could teach past productions and performers a thing or two about theater, proving big isn’t necessarily better. They nailed it. Zeffirelli, eat your heart out!

— June LeBell

104149

SWIMWEAR RESORTWEAR & MORE

3 operas for $123

L a da im CT te ite no s d & M w! se ar at ch in g

Turandot • The Pearl Fishers • A King for a Day • Of Mice & Men

Hurry—Limited Time offer!

You must order online Feb. 13–18 This is your opportunity to experience three great opera performances in March.

This offer is online only—no phone sales. offer closes Feb 18!

• See all the operas online at www.SaraSoTaopera.org/3for123 • Choose three different operas from the list of available dates • Pay online, and you’re done!

3 operas for $123 available online only at

SArASoTAopera.org/3for123 SeaSon SponSor

Englewood-Swim Mart

Ellenton-Swim Mart

Merchants Crossing 1500 Placida Rd

(on the driveway into Ellenton Premium Outlets)

Swim City-Longboat Key

Swim City-Sarasota

Swim City-SRQ

3170 Gulf of Mexico Drive

1960 Stickney Pt Rd

941- 924 - 8618

941- 383 - 2288

941- 474 - 4088

941- 922 - 4545

5923 Factory Shops Blvd.

winTer opera FeSTivaL 2013 February 9–March 24

941-721-8924 50 N Tamiami Tr

941-954-8800

Sarasota Opera's 2003 production of The Pearl Fishers

Turandot Puccini • The Pearl Fishers Bizet A King for a Day Verdi • Of Mice & Men Carlisle Floyd

104532

4223 S Tamiami Tr

104311

Sarasota-Swim Mart

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

ic, t n a m o r , g rmin a w t r a e h 4 es i r o t S e v Out of 2 o L tal n e m i t n e s s, e t o v c funny, and i l b u 0p 0 0 , 9 n a h t e y. r o t S and mor e v o L ing n n i w r u o e we hav

o t s n o i t a ul t a r g n o C

❝ !

rin e p l a H y d Gar n a e n n RoseA

7

st sight, r fi t a e v o l s It wa very e r e w y e h t although She was . e l p o e p t n differe usician m l a c i s s a l c Catholic, a ish, w e J s a w e H a. from Indian om DC. r f r e h c a e t a yoga ert. s s e d d e r a h They s

❞

d the n a o i c c a i l g an Mi s u S d n a r e th the i Pet w g n o l a a Antic late u t a r g n staff of Cas o c a arasot S y c n e g e R ple u o c Hyatt e h T . y d Gar n a e n n ’s Day A e e s n i t Ro n e l a V mantic o r a y yatt. o j H n e e h t t will a y a t by a s d e w o l l o f r dinne 1213 N. Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 366-1840

104210

1000 Blvd of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 953-1234

8

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: reviews

AG JEANS JBRAND

DAFTBIRD WON HUNDRED SPLENDID KATIN

JACK SPADE

SLVDR ANALOG WELLEN

PAPERBACK

COMUNE V I N C E

Courtesy

Laura Priscilla Hoffman, Melanie Souza and Liz Pascoe

THEATER

ALL

COMING SOON NOW OPEN

// ‘The Great American Trailer Park Musical’ “Trailer Park,” now gracing Venice Theatre’s Stage II, is an outrageously raunchy parody of so-called trailer-trash (read lower class) society. Written with some wit — book by Betsy Kelso and music

by David Nehls — the show successfully skewers popular predilections of the lightly educated, but throughout the hilarious bombardment of jokes at their expense, it manages to show sympathy for all the ridiculously stereotyped characters. It may be loud and lewd, but it’s not lacking in heart, and directed by Kelly Wynn Woodland, it goes by in the blink of an eye, punctuated by frequent chortling.

A parody is only as strong as the truth it seeks to exaggerate, and a musical only as good as its tunes. This production succeeds at both. With help from costume designer Priscilla Boyd and scenic designer John Michael Andzulis, we recognize the knickknacks that “make a house a home,” the tights and bosom boosting tops on the women, the men in loud t-shirts, oversized florals, and even some comedy icons like trench coats on FBI, striped PJs and a black fedora on the villain, Groucho

478 John Ringling Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34236 Tel 941.343.2315 941.706.2653 www.influencestyle.com

Community Forum

— Paula Atwell

Get relief from foot, knee & back pain... even Plantar Fasciitis!

on the

Affordable Care Act Have questions about the Affordable Care Act? The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, in partnership with Doctors for America, will present an informational and educational forum for the community to answer questions and help you get the most from your health care plan.

Thursday, February 21 • 7:00 pm

■ Arch supports that fit all shoes — even sandals ■ Free personal fitting and balance demonstration

Where: Beatrice Friedman Theater, Federation Campus

Free and open to the community.

■ Lifetime warranty on most arch supports

rsVP: Online www.jfedsrq.org/events.aspx By phone 941.552.6304

■ Free test walk so you can try before you buy

20 OFF

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 941.371.4546 • TheJewishFederation.org

Any pair of arch supports

Valid only in Sarasota-Tampa area.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

Expires 2/24/13 SOY01

4950 Fruitville Road • Sarasota Just West of Honore , Opposite Goodwill 941-487-7974 www.GoodFeetTampaBay.com

104235

$

event partners include: Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Peace and Justice Team from the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Planned Parenthood, St. Andrew United Church of Christ, Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, Skin Mart, Temple Sinai, Kobernick-Anchin and WSLR.

103470

104442

TO AT

Marx glasses with nose and mustache attached, a gold lame onesie and a penchant for Swarovski crystals.

The original music is lively, with catchy, danceable tunes, ranging from good old rock ‘n’ roll to country to ballad, with punchy, comical lyrics, all under the direction of Peter Madpak. Choreographer Laura Priscilla Hoffman keeps the talented cast on their high heels with lots of entertaining boogaloo and frug type moves as well as a hint of pole dancing.

All the players in the talented cast sing, dance, and spout funny lines. Andrea Keddell-Heintz plays agoraphobic trailer dweller Jeannie Garstecki, and Steven O’Dea plays her tempted-to-stray husband who frequently expounds “Holy Ham Sandwiches.” Pippi, beautifully played by Danae DeShazer, is a stripper hiding from her gun-toting boyfriend in the trailer for rent next door. All three sing a lovely medley, “But He’s Mine/It’s Never Easy.”

Travis M. Rogers plays Duke, the boyfriend who, in one of the more pointedly satirical scenes pulls out his gun, only to see the entire trailer park pull out their guns. The girls, who are sort of a Greek chorus, as well as characters of their own, and who do the bulk of the singing and dancing are played by Melanie Souza as Betty, Laura Priscilla Hoffman as Lin, and Liz Pascoe as Donna/Tina.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

9

// Arts&Entertainment: reviews

Courtesy

All is not as it seems in director Steven Soderbergh’s new film, “Side Effects.” It’s an intelligent, twisty murder mystery that plays games with your brain. So pay attention. This film is not for slackers.

In the opening shot, the camera zooms into an apartment window and pans across a floor marked with bloody footprints.

Immediately, we’re drawn into a web of deception woven by a devious perpetrator whose identity is up for grabs.

Rooney Mara plays Emily, a young working woman whose husband, Martin (Channing Tatum), has just been released from prison after serving four years for inside trading. During Martin’s incarceration she sought psychiatric help from Dr. Victoria Siebert (Catherine Zeta-Jones) in Connecticut. Seems the loss of living the good life was not an easy transition for Emily. When Martin comes home she has difficulty coping, sinks into depression and is referred to a New York shrink, Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law).

A drug company is paying Dr. Banks to conduct a study on a new antidepressant called Ablixa, which he prescribes for Emily, after she purposely rams her car into a brick

WINTER

Sale

— Pam Nadon

FREE LEATHER

UPGRADE* with purchase of any Stressless® furniture

Savings up to $500 per seat.

Feb 1 - Mar 18

copenhagen imports CONTEMPORARY INTERIORS

Monday-Saturday 10-6 • Sunday Noon-5 www.copenhagen-imports.com 923-2569 • 7211 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL *See sales associate for complete details.

102896

// ‘Side Effects’

102609

FILM

wall. Ablixa’s side effects result in unforseen consequences, including a murder. But who’s the responsible party? Is it Emily, Dr. Banks or, perhaps, the pharmaceutical company? Someone must pay, literally, if you get my drift.

It’s difficult not giving away too much without spoiling what’s going on in “Side Effects.” There are so many subplots and twists in this psychological thriller, it will leave audiences reeling. Soderbergh (“Traffic”) grabs your attention at the get-go and never lets loose. He throws about psycho babble disguised as clues. “Past behavior is the best indicator of future behavior.”

“The inability to construct a future defines depression.” Pay attention.

The casting is first rate. Mara (“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) is the consummate chameleon. Her portrayal of the disturbed Emily is so multidimensional it is head spinning. Law (“Contagion”) is at his best as the confused psychiatrist who is told he needs a shrink. And Zeta-Jones (“Traffic”) has playing an ice queen down to a science in her duplicitous depiction of a caregiver.

“Side Effects” deals with greed, karma and revenge. Soderbergh cleverly doesn’t assign guilt to any one person or organization. He merely points out that Wall Street, the pharmaceutical industry, doctors and lawyers can, collectively, be responsible for moral disintegration.

103551

Rooney Mara and Channing Tatum in Steven Soderbergh’s “Side Effects”

10

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

// HOME&GARDEN: HOME OF THE MONTH

(continued from page 1)

artistic history

M

any houses have character: It can come from a great design or from years of happily accommodating family life, with all its ups and downs. But, a house that has personality — that extra spark of life that you can sense the moment you walk in — that’s much harder to find.

This modest-looking ranch/bungalow in the sleepy neighborhood of Pine Shores is a case-in-point. During a recent open house, when the home came on the market for the first time in almost 50 years, you could feel the buzz in the air. The people who dropped by were amazed by what they were seeing.

On one hand, it was a simple, modest home. But, with its furniture and art — plus a sensitive redesign by architect Jack West — there was an artistic sensibility at every turn, not to mention a delightful history lesson in American art dating back to the 1950s.

The story begins when Glenn and Genevieve Hannan, a couple from Detroit, moved to Florida, first to Englewood, then, in 1969, to Sarasota, where they bought

the bungalow on Wildwood Street. Glenn Hannan was a woodshop teacher and Genevieve Hannan a homemaker. “They were very sensitive aesthetically,� recalls their great-niece Pam Sharp. “But they weren’t educated as artists.�

But, their son, Tom, certainly was. A graduate of Wayne State, Tom Hannan, like many ambitious young creative people of the time, moved to New York City. His talent got him a scholarship to the legendary Hans Hofman School of Fine Arts, where he worked and studied with many of the leaders of the Abstract Expressionism movement. Soon Tom Hannan was in the middle of the burst of creative energy that made New York City the world capital of painting and sculpture.

In 1954, Tom Hannan married Allison Smith, a New York girl who had studied fashion design at Parsons. The two of them settled into a cold-water flat in what is today the heart of SoHo. To supplement his income, Tom Hannan began designing re-

cord album covers for the great jazz artists of the time, particularly the masters of “bebop,� the strident, almost aggressive form of improvisation that morphed into what is today known as modern jazz. In that heady time of “beatniks� and artistic experimentation, Sharp recalls that “it wasn’t unusual for the two of them to ‘close out Mingus’ in the wee hours of the morning at the Five Spot on the Bowery.�

As Tom Hannan’s career progressed, the couple settled in Guilford, Vt., where Tom Hannan painted in a barn on the property.

They began spending more time in Florida with Tom Hannan’s mother (Glenn Hannan died in the early 1990s.) But, it wasn’t until 2000, when both Tom and Genevieve Hannan died, that Allison Hannan called architect Jack West. She was getting older and wanted a walk-in shower. With the way such things often go, she soon had a much bigger house.

West incorporated the lanai along the back of the house into the living area, thus

A Jack Cartlidge sculpture in the forecourt. creating a large open space that suggests, appropriately enough, a SoHo loft. With art-gallery-white walls, it became the perfect setting for the Hannans’ collection of modernist furniture and their art, both Tom Hannan’s work and other artists of the period. The furniture includes a pair of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs, a Knoll sofa and coffee table and some whimsical stools by Charles and Ray Eames. West also placed a large Jack Cartlidge sculpture in front of the house, a signature touch of his.

To accommodate Allison Hannan’s plans for aging-in-place, he built a new master bathroom with a walk-in shower and leveled the floors through the home. The kitchen was left pretty much untouched; it still retains the original 1950s wall oven.

The house got a burst of fresh artistic energy when Pam and her husband, Willoughby Sharp, began visiting more frequently.

Willoughby Sharp, who died in 2008, was a prominent member of the next generation of New York artists, when the style switched

Grant’s Gardens COUNTERTOPS ◊ CUSTOm CabINETS ◊ REfaCINg ◊ ClOSETS

Photo Courtesy of Cliff Roles

Granite | Marble | Quartz | Cambria | Silestone | Corian

Specializing in Fine Landscaping and Maintenance Certified Horticulturists on Staff • Sustainable Landscape Solutions Native & Exotic Plant Integration www.grantsgardens.com

1035 N. Lime Ave. • 941.953.3240

ELEVATE ELEVATEYOUR YOUREXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE

104234

941-343-9396

www.SRQ-KITCHENS.com 104236

Call today for a free consultation

Ranked Rankedasasthe theGulf GulfCoast’s Coast’s#1 #1Fastest FastestGrowing GrowingReal RealEstate EstateDeveloper Developer Call Call941.487.8504 941.487.8504totoschedule scheduleaaPre-Construction Pre-ConstructionConsultation Consultation

eYour YourExperience Experience 1425 Westway Drive 1425 Westway Drive GulfGulf frontfront newnew construction on Lido Key.Key. construction on Lido 5,000 square feet,feet, 5 bedroom luxury residence.

5,000 square 5 bedroom luxury residence. $5,499,000 $5,499,000

Stephanie StephanieChurch Church 941.724.5448 941.724.5448

941.724.5448 941.724.5448

MLS#A3970416 MLS#A3970416 $4,495,000 $4,495,000

13

13

Waterfront Waterfront Luxury Luxury

444 444Gulf GulfofofMexico MexicoDr DrSte Ste101 101

104298

Northport Northport Dr -DrEnter - Enter on Royal on Royal Palm Palm Harbor’s Harbor’s StephanieChurch@michaelsaunders.com Rutenberg nberg St. Augustine St. Augustine 12801280 StephanieChurch@michaelsaunders.com StephanieChurch@michaelsaunders.com StephanieChurch@michaelsaunders.com www.StephanieChurch.com www.StephanieChurch.com designated Canopy Canopy RoadRoad to one to one of Siesta of Siesta Key’sKey’s most most des thatthat set this set this home home designated www.StephanieChurch.com www.StephanieChurch.com dynamic views views of the of the BayBay andand Intracostal Intracostal Waterway.

Waterway. 3 "LVD OF 0RESIDENTS s 3ARASOTA &LORIDA s m mium appliances, appliances, Sub-Sub- dynamic 3 "LVD OF 0RESIDENTS s 3ARASOTA &LORIDA s www.Facebook.com/srqrealestateagent www.Facebook.com/srqrealestateagent Situated on aon wrap-around a wrap-around corner corner lot which lot which combines combines Thermador. mador. On-demand On-demand Situated 3801 3801 Casey Casey Key Key Road Road huge huge views views and and protected protected boat harborage on on thethe euse house water water softening softening Beachfront Beachfront new new construction construction onboat Casey onharborage Casey Key.Key. deep deep water water side side canal.. canal..

A3956983 A3956983 $2,195,000 $2,195,000 899,900 900 4,500 4,500 square square feet,feet, 4-54-5 bedrooms, bedrooms, gulf gulf front front pool. pool.

www.ModusCustomResidences.com www.ModusCustomResidences.com

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

11

// HOME&GARDEN

White walls and terrazzo floors provide the setting for the owners’ collection of classic modernist furniture and art.

The kitchen reveals the home’s mid-century roots, complete with the original cabinets and wall oven.

over to conceptual and performance art.

His pieces were designed to shock, often producing what the New York Times described as a “mixture of horror and awe.”

One of his most famous, “Full Womb,” in 1975, consisted of Willoughby Sharp climbing into an industrial-sized clothes dryer clutching a baby bottle and then tumbling for 15 minutes while he imagined his parents making love.

There is no information as to whether Willoughby Sharp actually climbed into the dryer at the Hannan home, but he did produce a particular Sarasota art piece for the living room. On a visit to the Woman’s Exchange in 2006, he spied a modernistic white ceramic vase.

“Like a bird dog he wound his way through the furniture to grab it,” Pam Sharp recalls.

Later that afternoon, he found a purple beach ball at Publix to top it off. The result?

“Transmitter 5849,” which Pam describes as “an expression of Willoughby’s eternal

An abstract painting by Tom Hannan brings a jolt of color to the dining area.

Photos courtesy of Martie Leiberman and SRQ360PHOTOGRAPHY

transmission of art force.”

Allison Hannan has decided to stay in Vermont permanently, and, so, the home was recently put on the market. According to Realtor Martie Lieberman, who handled the listing, it sold immediately, with six different offers.

Pam Sharp is busy packing up the art — the Jack Cartlidge sculpture will stay — and then she will return to her home in Brooklyn, N.Y., to prepare for an exhibit of paintings from the Hannans’ art collection, which will open Feb. 15, at Betty Krulik Fine Arts Ltd., 15 East 71 St., in Manhattan. The collection contains not just Tom Hannan’s work, but also pieces by members of his and Allison’s circle of friends from the old days, including Al Held and Jan Muller.

And as for the furniture? The new owners are purchasing it, too. Thus, though the house may be changing hands, the artistic spirit it represents — not to mention the lively personality — will be intact for years to come.

Transforming your Dreams into Reality

• Sarasota Bay’s leading home and condo remodeling craftsman since 1997 • Renovations professionally designed to fit your style and budget • On Time, On Budget, Guaranteed • Complete turn-key project management Call Bob Elmes Today at 941-925-3723 for a free Consultation

State Certified General Contractor CG-C060087 www.CreativeKitchenAndBaths.com

backyard

whose deserves a

makeover?

tion Need Direc brought to you by

HELP!

rren Boring & Ba

VOTE HERE:

Facebook.com/ArtisTreeLandscape concept by

partnered with

Vote until February 15!

Works of ArtisTree

For For 23 23 years years we havenever never we have wavered from wavered from doing the doing theright right thing or thing or giving giving you our your ourbest. best.

101845

by Bob Elmes, Inc.

102030

Creative Kitchen & Baths

12

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

// HOME&GARDEN

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Black Tie Photographer

the heart of the home

The Sarasota Orchestra Association will present its first Symphony of Kitchens, a two-day tour of eight kitchens in the Sarasota area. The kitchens will be open for visitors to tour Feb. 15 and Feb. 16, and will feature local celebrity chefs whipping up goodies

for guests (visit soassociation.org for times).

The SOA has held home tours over the past 38 years, however this is the first time that it has focused on just the kitchens. Showcasing area kitchens seemed like a natural choice because they are

2.

truly the heart of the home.

Proceeds of the Symphony of Kitchens will benefit the Sarasota Orchestra and its Youth Orchestra program.

Diversions showcases four of the eight kitchens featured on the Symphony of Kitchens tour.

1.

 This kitchen is 13-years-old, yet with its contemporary vibe it has managed to stay in style as the years have passed. It includes two ovens, two warming drawers, two microwaves, plenty of storage, granite countertops and a stainless steel back-splash.  The homeowners designed this table to add a pop of color to their kitchen.

 When the homeowners bought their home six months ago, they wanted their kitchen design to be "cheery and functional."

It features a double oven, floor-to-ceiling storage, Moen appliances, an instant hot water faucet and a chunky bullnose back splash with a fleur de lis design.

 Above the double oven is a six-range stove with a grill.

European Traditions

new location … siesta key chef-driven, gulf coast cookery

One of Florida’s “best new” restaurants

20,000 sq ft of the very finest in home furnishings and unusual accessories

*240 avenida madera, siesta key* eatheresiestakey.com 941-346-7800 1888 main street, sarasota

eatheresarasota.com 941-365-8700

www.european-traditions.com

5315 104294

941.921.5616

gulf drive, holmes beach

eathereannamaria.com 941-778-0411

104433

6030 Clark Center Ave. • Sarasota, FL 34238

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

13

// HOME&GARDEN

Octet! Homes on the Symphony of Kitchens tour:

4.

1. 9096 Misty Creek Drive, Sarasota – designed by David Asher, Eurotech Cabinetry 2. 15408 Linn Park Terrace, Lakewood Ranch – designed by Lisa Frisch, Manasota Flooring 3. 7314 Mayfair Court, University Park – designed by Anne Folsom Smith 4. 229 N, Washington Drive, St. Armands Key – designed by Eurotech Cabinetry 8214 Regents Court, University Park – designed by Rob and Margaret Cook, Cook’s Design Studio 9617 18th Avenue Circle, Bradenton — designed by Derek Barnes 3206 Founders Club Drive, Sarasota — designed by London Bay Homes 13663 Legends Bay, Lakewood Ranch — designed by Anne Folsom Smith

3.  When the homeowners updated their kitchen in 2011 with the help of Eurotech Cabinetry, they chose Blue Bahia, a Brazilian granite, for their countertops because the couple had inherited family china that was white and blue. "I grew up around white and blue," says Carolyn Michel.

Michel also enjoys being able to show off her mother's china and other objects in her glass cabinets. "The kitchen is hearth of the home."

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

 Renovated in 2008 by previous owners, the current owners updated the look of the kitchen in 2011 with the help of Anne Folsom Smith. The kitchen includes a Sub Zero refridgerator/freezer, wine cooler, warming drawer, two dishwashers, a 60-inch Wolf oven and stove and a Malee built-in coffee maker.

 The homeowners installed a wine cellar into the storage space underneath their staircase when they renovated in 2011.

 Folsom Smith suggested to the homeowners that the spot by the bay windows would be perfect for a banquet, the booth seating area seen here.

e x p e r t

if you go

Cost: Pre-sale tickets are $25 or $30 at all the homes the days of the event.

 One of the homeowners’ favorite parts of their kitchen is the GE induction stove top. "It boils water in 20 seconds!"

Info: For tickets or more information, visit www. soassociation.org.

r e m o d e l i n g

Eat. Drink. Love. Live.

Alvis-Elliott has more than 35 years experience building in Florida.

Cooking a meal… soaking in a hot bath… sharing a glass of wine at the end of a busy day. Make life’s small moments matter with the luxurious beauty of natural solid surfaces suited to your unique style.

We specialize in: New Construction

Whether all-out opulence or sheer simplicity, our expert fabricators and installers will bring a fresh sense of spaciousness to any size home.

Visit www.dsiflorida.com or call 941.377.7747.

Condominium Remodeling Kitchens Baths

Get theour free mobile your phone Scan TAGapp toforvisit our website.

941.377.7747 ~ www.dsiflorida.com 8272 Vico Court ~ Sarasota, FL 34240 (off Fruitville Road) Sarasota ~ Tampa ~ Tallahassee ~ Ft. Myers

100567

Fl. State Licensed General Contractor CGC1512080

102190

P: 941.504.4564 | E: info@alviselliott.com

w w w. a l v i s e l l i o t t. c o m

http:/ / gettag.mobi

Granite ~ Corian ~ Zodiaq® ~ HanStone™ ~ Silestone® ~ Natural Wood ®

14

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

// FOOD&COOKING: COLUMN

TIDBITES

by June LeBell | Contributing Columnist | june@junelebell.com  A Romantic Asian Twist to Ziti

 The Table Serves the Best of all Possible Brunches

The Table, one of Sarasota’s finest restaurants with a view that positively makes you fall in love with our town, is now offering what may be the best brunch in the area.

Ila, a manager and bartender, gave us an inkling of some of her more inspired vodka infusions. Like a specialized lab tech, she tries different combinations and strengths of fruits, herbs and spices until she comes up with just the right recipe to make you want to sip and then sip some more. We tried the Peach Cobbler, a peach-and-cinnamon vodka infusion that was mild with a lusciously creamy texture.

The bacon infusion was a little too salty for my taste, but I fell in love with the banana-infused vodka. Made with 40 — yes, 40 — bananas soaking in vodka for 24 hours, and then, finely filtered two times, it is perfect for a Banana Martini.

Back to brunch — you’re asked to create your own trio of dishes from a fantastical list of eight choices to-die-for at a mind-bending, wallet-saving $19.95. This quality for that price means reservations — maybe far in advance!

“This used to be an Italian restaurant,” says Guimond, “and people were used to that in this mall. But I’ve had this idea of Asian-Italian fusion in my mind for a while so I created the menu, and hired Jason Stevens to be our executive chef and he’s created the food.”

  





   

Call us today to RSVP * 941-924-0144

 

 

941-924-0144 800-559-9867

                 

8435 S. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota Target & Publix Shopping Center www.PalmerRanchTravel.com

      

... France is synonymous with romance and one of the simplest, yet most romantic places

on Siesta Key is a charming bistro called Bonjour French Cafe. Owned and operated by Thierry and Marie Zanon who’ve only been in this country about a year, this classic café has luscious homemade soups, many kinds of mussels, escargots, salads and La Bouillabaisse with a side of fresh lobster! Perfect food in a charming setting right on Ocean Boulevard and open for lunch every day or dinner Thursday through Sunday ... ... We recently went to one of the Sarasota Orchestra’s conductor dinners. Held in different venues each time, this one was conducted at Pomona Bistro and Wine Bar on Orange Avenue. From the smoked salmon canapés and lighter-than-air vegetable summer rolls with ginger sauce served on the terrace by the roaring outdoor fireplace, to the Napoleon of fresh berries and maple mascarpone cheesecake with candied walnuts, the food and ambience highlighted the conversations with selected musicians from the orchestra and made us realize how fortunate we are to live in Sarasota where great food and great music are a way of life.

Thursday, February 21st, at 4:00pm

      

 

... Fresh oysters are popping out all over and Mattison’s City Grille is dishing them up baked and stuffed, while Mattison’s Forty-One is serving them briny and sweet on the half shell. The City Grille, with its lively, fun outdoors-on-Main setting, has a spectacular seafood paella and a tender-hearted grilled steak Oscar while, back at Mattison’s Forty-One there’s a rich Chateaubriand with smoked wild mushrooms, followed by a Sweetheart Chocolate Grand Marnier Fondue a deux, or, for those who don’t think three’s a crowd, a Menage a Trois: tastes of tiramisu, chocolate pot de crème and a chocolate truffle. There’s music in both locations bur reservations are a must ...

Courtesy

Bonjour French Cafe owners Marie and Thierry Zanon

Meet the Sales Managers of Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard and The Yachts of Seabourn and learn the latest on destinations, new itineraries & great pricing for your dream vacation!

  



... Libby’s is stretching Valentine’s Day into a four-day celebration that features a luscious lobster and long-stem artichoke gratin with a Parmesan crust, or a tasty 8-ounce boneless rib eye fillet served with a sweet potato cake, bell pepper relish and a crispy poached egg, as Courtesy Bloody Mary ba r at Libby’s only Libby’s can crisp it.

And don’t forget Libby’s bloody Mary and mimosa bar with more than 50 ingredients including organic vodkas, pickled veggies, spices and fresh fruit garnishes ...

Please join Palmer Ranch Travel for an informative presentation.

 



 ROMANTIC TID-BITELETS



103713

Courtesy

The Table now offers brunch on the creek.

It’s not often you find a restaurant in a mall that has an executive chef who’s a winner of the prestigious James Beard Award. It’s also rare to find a trattoria that offers Shanghai shrimp, wasabi scallops and Thai chicken on a menu with spicy smoked tomato spaghetti, gorgonzola penne and chicken marsala.

But now, Sarasota has Ziti, the new Italian/ American/Asian restaurant in the Westfield Southgate mall.

The idea, however, goes beyond having lunch at Ziti and then walking off the calories by shopping at Saks. Dustin Guimond, the owner and creative genius behind Ziti, who’s been in the restaurant business for more than a quarter century, wants the restaurant to be a destination eatery. It is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Guimond wants people to come for happy hour (a long one, from 4 to 9 p.m.!) and stay for dinner.

Ladies who lunch will love the luxuriousness of a really good sit-down after J. Jill and Chico’s. Couples looking for a romantic spot will enjoy the chic, modern warmth of the radiant interior. And everyone needs to check out the restrooms with their textured tile walls and floors and modern farmhouse-style faucets.

Ziti should be a destination restaurant that only happens to be next to your favorite shops.

get granite!



    

Your Granite, Marble and Quartz Specialists

  

Residential and CommeRCial



       

 



Serving the West Coast of Florida for 40 yrs.





104432



1451 Global Ct. Sarasota, FL 34240

941-351-7331 • www.thwstone.com

104242



DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

// FOOD&COOKING: home cook

15

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor, East County Observer

Steamy chef blogger releases new book Bradenton’s Jaden Hair focuses on gluten-free, minimal-meat recipes in her new cookbook, ‘Steamy Kitchen’s Healthy Asian Favorites.’

Bradenton food blogger Jaden Hair is at it again.

Six years and 120,000 Twitter followers after creating SteamyKitchen.com, Hair released her second book, “Steamy Kitchen’s Healthy Asian Favorites,” Feb. 5. The 240-page book includes 100 recipes will full-color photographs.

Featured recipes include tofu-mushroom miso soup, Thai larb chicken lettuce cups and mango brulee.

Books can be pre-ordered through her website.

“This book really is meant to be refreshing and light,” Hair says, noting recipes are designed to showcase the flavor of the ingredients.

Hair says healthy eating comes in four parts: using less meat, using less gluten, improving cooking techniques and minimizing sauces.

“This is how we normally cook authentic (Asian cuisine),” Hair says. “(For the traditional American dinner), a family of four, each person would have a grilled chicken breast. In Asia, one chicken breast can feed four people. You cut it thin.

You still get all the flavor,

BOOK INFO ‘Steamy Kitchen’s Healthy Asian Favorites’ Publisher: Ten Speed Press Cost: $24 Available at: Random House, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, iBookstore and Google Books Website: SteamyKitchen. com

but the meat is not the focus.”

Hair says her book also focuses on Asian familystyle dining, in which family members and friends cook together or make several larger dishes to share

with one another.

“The act of sharing all the food around the table — that’s part of the experience for you,” she says.

“It’s all communal eating, communal cooking. You lay out all the ingredients (and cook together). It’s so much more fun.

“There’s a big difference between sharing a meal and just eating,” she says.

“That’s what I try to highlight in the book.”

Desserts are downplayed in “Healthy Asian Favorites.” Sweets, in the Asian culture, typically are enjoyed during an afternoon tea. Families enjoy tea or fruit together after dinner, and those items are the “desserts” of choice in her new cookbook.

Hair spent about one year developing the new book, which features all new recipes.

The homegrown chef has also been working on her blog, SteamyKitchen.com, which has reached about 6 million page views. Hair has begun posting videos about each new recipe she shares on her website, to help aspiring chefs not only want to make the recipe,

At her Bradenton home, Jaden Hair and her family have a desire to become self-sufficient when it comes to food. Besides having a garden, Hair and her husband, Scott, are currently working on building an aquaponics system. The raisedbed garden system connects a garden bed with a working fish tank. Nutrients from the fish waste fertilize the plants; in turn, the plants filter the water in the fish tank.

Courtesy photo

Jaden Hair’s blog, SteamyKitchen.com, has become a family business. Her husband, Scott, helps with running the website and other tasks. Her children, Andrew, left, and Nathan, right, often help in the kitchen and garden. but for them to better understand how to make it.

Each video is less than three minutes and includes tips for making that partic-

ular recipe.

“People want to find the best recipe for a dish,” Hair says. “My job is to create the very best recipes.”

Lighting SaLe& Design @ Light Up your Life

205 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL (by City Hall)

leggiadro.com

sale

SpeciaL DiSpLay

Build your drEAM Call us now to start building your dream! 941.366.7280

Thur & Fri, February 14th & 15th 10am - 5pm Sat, February 16th 11am - 3pm All displayed lighting sale price, LeSS 30% official retail price - including items that are already marked down in price.

Displayed furniture accessories sale price, LeSS 15% official retail price.

1620 N Tamiami Tr

Art, decor accessories & jewelry are not included in the sale

lights-sarasota.com

941.330.0422

104139

380A ST ARMANDS CIRCLE, SARASOTA MANAGER KATE RUNYON 941.388.1500

101464

82929

Cooking up selfsufficiency

16

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: CALENDAR

a&e calendar February MONDAY

ART GALLERIES: Robert Stackhouse and Carol Mickett at Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art. Runs through March Landscapes at Wall Art Gallery. Feb. 15 through March 15. Opening reception 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 Contemporary Abstract Painting at Selby Gallery at

Ringling College of Art and Design. Feb. 22 through April 3. Opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22 Herb Ritts: L.A. Style at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Feb. 23 through May 19. All members preview Feb. 21 “Around Here” watercolors

by Rita Rust at Art Uptown.

Feb. 23 through March 30.

Opening reception 6 to 9

17

18

Artist Series Concerts: Faith Prince. 7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater.

Tickets $25. Call 3607399.

Star of the Opera reception featuring Samuel Ramey. 5:30 p.m. at Louie’s Modern. Tickets $30. Call 366-0582.

featuring members of Sarasota Orchestra.

2 p.m. at Temple Beth Shalom. Tickets $36 to $50. Call 552-2780.

‘Home in Indiana.’ Suncoast Concert Band. 3 p.m. at Northminister Presbyterian Church.

Tickets $5. Call 907-0935.

Exsultate! Chorale ‘Love!’ Concert. 3:30 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church. Tickets $5 to $17. Call 484-8491.

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

14

p.m. Friday, March 22 Ringling in Bloom at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Feb. 28 through March 3 ‘Child’s Play,’ ‘iConcept Retrospective,’ ‘Simply Original’ and ‘Paint Sarasota’ at Art Center Sarasota. Feb. 28 through April 26. Opening Reception 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 28.

19 Cathy Rigby is Peter

Jazz Ambassadors ‘Jazz Greats.’ 7:30 p.m. at Northminister Presbyterian Church. Tickets $5. Call 907-0935.

24 Midday Musicale

TUESDAY

Pan. 7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Tickets $30 to $65. Call 953-3368.

‘Stop Kiss.’ 7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for Performing Arts.

Runs through March 10. Pay what you can (tickets usually $28 to $29). Call 351-8000.

Valentine program featuring playwright Ginna Hoben. Hermitage Artist Retreat and the John and Mable Ringling Musuem of Art. 7 p.m. at FSU/ Asolo Conservatory. Free to $5. Call 475-2098.

Great Escapes: ‘The Envelope, Please.’ Runs through Feb. 16. 7:30 p.m. at Holley Hall. Tickets start at $26. Call 953-3434.

Playwright Arthur Kopit.

Hermitage Artist Retreat.

4 p.m. at Venice Theatre.

Free. Call 475-2098

Sheryl Crow. 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Tickets $30 to $110. Call 953-3368.

‘9 to 5: The Musical.’ 7:30 p.m. at The Players. Runs through Feb. 14 through 24.

Tickets $25. Call 365-2494

21 Rene Izquierdo. Artist 22

Munchtime Musicales: Violinists Dan Jordan and Chong-Yon Hong with Cheryl Losey on harp.

Noon at Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center.

Free. Call 955-0040.

Series Concerts. 11 a.m. at Michael’s on East.

Tickets $45. Call 306-1202.

Chamber: Birthday Wishes. Sarasota Orchestra. 5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall.

Tickets start at $27. Call 953-3434.

‘Hello Dolly!’ MainStage Musical. 8 p.m. at Venice Theatre. Runs through March 17. Tickets $13 to $28. Call 488-1115.

‘Soul Crooners 2.’

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. 8 p.m. at WBTT Theater. Runs through March 24. Tickets $28.

Call 366-1505.

25

26

27

28

The Kingston Trio. 3 and 8 p.m. at Venice Theatre. Tickets $45. Call 488-1115.

James Ehnes. Sarasota Concert Association.

8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Tickets $40 to $70. Call 955-0040.

Ariel String Quartet.

Ambassadors’ Guild Evening Performing Arts Winter Spring Series.

6:30 p.m. at Designing Women Boutique. Tickets $35. Call 366-5293.

Masterworks: Beethoven’s Ninth.

Sarasota Orchestra.

8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Tickets start at $30. Call 953-3434.

‘A Chorus Line.’ 7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Tickets $40 to $60. Call 953-3368.

SATURDAY

15

Valentine’s Day Gala.

Jazz Club of Sarasota. 6:30 p.m. at Bobby Jones Complex. Tickets $38. Call 366-1552.

20

FRIDAY

Inside the Studio: Margaret Barbieri. Sarasota Ballet. 7 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets $35. Call 359-0099.

16

Robin Spielberg. 8 p.m. at Glenridge Performing Arts Center. Tickets $15.

Call 552-5325.

‘The Pearl Fishers.’ 8 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House. Runs through March 22. Tickets $80 to $130. Call 366-8450.

23

Samba Jazz Concert.

7 p.m. at Longboat Key Center for the Arts.

Tickets $20 to $25. Call 383-2345.

New Stages: Narrative in Motion. 7:30 p.m.

Historic Asolo Theater.

Runs Feb. 21 through 23.

Tickets $15 to $25. Call 360-7399.

Thrill of a Lifetime.

Sarasota Orchestra and the Youth Philharmonic. 7:30 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Center.

Tickets $10. Call 9533434.

Mystical Dance and Theatre of Bali. 7:30 p.m. at Unity Church of Sarasota. Tickets $15.

Call 320-9666.

Send calendar entries to Mallory Gnaegy, A&E editor, at mgnaegy@ yourobserver.com. For more events, visit yourobserver.com.

Dianaira

runk Tsho

w

President’s day sale up to 25% OFF retail every day | Plus an additional 10% Open to the Trade | Open to the Public

off Asian Pottery

Coast to Coast

Pottery

• Talavera Pottery • Mexican Clay Pottery • Asian Pottery 2036 20th Street (Corner of 301 Blvd and 20th St, 1 mile north of Fruitville) • Fountains 941.365.4400 • Lighted Sculptures www.ctcpottery.com

104437

SUNDAY

EAST INDIES HOME COLLECTION

Wednesday, Feb 13th through Saturday Feb 16.

Tropical Furnishings  Unique Home Accessories Luxury Patio

Fab Faux

I Dream of Genie

Diana has just returned from an inspiring trip to her birth city Taipei, Tiawan.

Come in and see her inspired Spring 2013 Collection!

At Your Service

103534

like us on facebook

American Original Art Couture

364 St. Armands Circle | 941-388 -1974 www.dreamweavercollection.com

Eclipse Console Media Cabinet

Silk Orchid Arrangements

Pillow Talk

Thai Silk Pillows & Empire Teak Bench

1312 Tamiami Trail N., Sarasota, FL 34236 www.eastindieshome.com

941-951-9222 104353

28” Celadon Vase from Chang Mai

Black Tie

INSIDE: Social Studies: Lynn Barrie PAGE 22

YourObserver.com

By Rachel S. O’Hara Black Tie Photographer Chairwomen Janelle Beruff, Pauline Joerger, Margaret Wise, Ariane Dart and Honorary Chairwoman Cornelia Matson could not have ordered a more beautiful evening

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

for the Palm Ball Saturday, Feb. 9, at Bay Preserve at Osprey. Inspired by nautical Rhode Island, guests wore shades of blue and silver, and the beautiful tent sparkled of sapphires, diamonds and candlelight.

The true sign of a great party is when the dance floor is hopping

before dinner is served — and band South Town Fever, from Tampa, kept guests dancing all night. The elegant affair had its most successful event to date, with proceeds benefiting critical land conservation initiatives of the Gulf Coast’s bays, beaches, barrier islands and watersheds.

 Al and Leslie Jeffrey

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Chairwomen Janelle Beruff, Cornelia Matson, Pauline Joerger, Margaret Wise and Ariane Dart

 Erika and Sam Quartermaine

Hoby and Christina Buppert with Rush Bowles

“Oh wow” was overheard many times as guests entered the tent for dinner and dancing.

 Lisa Merrill in a Carolina Herrera dress

Bill Harrison and Sharon Black Floyd

Craig and Sharon Lewis with Anita and Sidney Holec

Black Tie COVER PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

18

Sarasota Concert Association’s Great Performers Series presents

YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

// BLACK TIE: COLUMN

blacktie

James Ehnes violin

tales

by Black Tie Staff

 Like mother, like daughter

Acclaimed by music critics as today’s Jascha Heifetz

with

Andrew Armstrong

Photo by Stephanie Hannum

Liebe Gambe and her dad, Patrick Smith

piano Tuesday, February 26 • 8 p.m.

 An elegant evening … with a few twists

at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

941-955-0040 • www.scasarasota.org

104427

Tickets: $70 • $60 • $50 • $40

I can’t offer the “Highest Dollar Volume in Sales” or the “Most Number of Listings” however, I do offer what matters most in a successful sale or purchase ...

• I am available whenever you need me to be...you do not have to go through my assistant • I operate with the highest integrity and promise to be completely honest with you • I treat the sale or purchase of your home as a priority...giving it the attention it deserves • I create a Custom Marketing Program specifically for your home • I PERSONALLY show your property • If you are a buyer, I commit to showing you as many properties as it takes until you find “the right one” Call me today and let me know how I can help you...I look forward to hearing from you.

Palm Ball, held Saturday, Feb. 9, was its usual always-elegant evening — the weather was fabulous and the guests dressed to impress! A few standouts of the night … the valet line was at a standstill for guests, giving them less time to mingle during the cocktail hour … there were many ex-couple run-ins (and their respective dates), which made people watching a little more exciting … Co-Chairwoman Pauline Joerger sparkled in her fabulous Donna Karan gown, not to mention her handsome arm candy, artist Rush Bowles … Lisa Merrill looked stunning in her Carolina Herrera gown … Hoby Buppert’s palm tree pants were the perfect accessory for this event … Always colorful Bruce Lesser wore a hot-pink suit jacket that he had custom made in Hong Kong four years ago … it’s the little things that matter — guests were raving about the property’s new fancy restrooms (read: no more port-a-potties) … Bernice Hebda’s vintage ring from Ana Molinari (left) was to-die-for … a certain socialite headed to the restroom to ditch her uncomfortable bra in the trash can … the cutest couple had to go to Liebe Gamble and date, dad Patrick Smith, who flew from Pittsburgh to escort her because husband Billy is out of town … Dr. Heidi Anderson looked fabulous, despite the fact that when she went to pick up her dress from alterations, they had left a note of an emergency, so she wore a back-up dress and rocked it with her always calm and collected demeanor. Palm Ball definitely did not disappoint!

Luxury ProPerty reaLtor

View Sarasota properties at www.gigisarasota.com 941.993.3695 gigi@gigisarasota.com

What goes better with warm Florida weather than the bright prints of Lilly Pulitzer, and what goes better with a model than her adorable daughter? The Boys and Girls Clubs hosted a luncheon and fashion show Wednesday, Feb. 6, featuring both. Lilly Pulitzer of St. Armands Circle presented “The Lilly Show,” to benefit both the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club of Venice and the Gene Matthews Boys & Girls Club of North Port.

Chaired by Golda Radefeld and Ann Hall, the show included Susan Hines Photo by Cliff Roles with daughter Bailey; Courtney Green with Victoria Stultz and her daughter, Emma daughter Andrea; Courtney Green and daughter Emma; Andrea Arnold and daughter, Tori; and sisters Sheryl Vieira and Sandy Albano. Also spotted at Plantation Golf & Country Club: Teri Hansen, Jessica Hays, Judy Green, Charlotte Hedge, Kelly Quigley, Kristy Cail with daughter Caitlin, Angie Stringer and many more.

Photo by Rachel S. O’Hara

Bob Hanson and Jean Griffin

 The great adventures of Flat Ella

Bob Hanson and Jean Griffin brought along “Flat Ella” to the Town Hall lecture given

by Dr. Robert Gates, Tuesday, Feb. 5, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Flat Ella was sent by to them by their granddaughter, Eloise Griffin, 6, from Cincinnati. Griffin and Hanson have to take Flat Ella on adventures and daily errands around Sarasota and then report back about all the things Flat Ella experienced while visiting.

“We are hoping to get a photo with Flat Ella and Dr. Robert Gates,” said Griffin. They also posed with Flat Ella for The Observer.

104470

 Tidbits

Photo by Rachel S. O’Hara

Joel Ellzey and Sally Schule

 With every season comes a change

You may notice a new man socializing around town with Sally Schule — Sarasota, meet Joel Ellzey. Schule has recently moved into the role of marketing director at Saks Fifth Avenue, and Ellzey has taken the helm as general manager. He comes with 24 years experience with the retail company, most recently at the Tampa location.

After 16 years in this community, Schule is delighted to be doing what she loves in the marketing role, as the company gets ready to open its new location, in the University Town Center, debuting October 2014.

“To me, it’s all about the community, the charities and making Saks local,” says Schule.

“I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to follow my passion as we move into the new store.”

‘Tis the season … In addition to Palm Ball, Cat Depot celebrated its 10th anniversary gala with a sell-out crowd and Goodwill’s annual Mardi Gras event is also reporting a sell-out … Moving on up … Geoffrey and Brenda Michel have built, and finally moved into, their new house in Harbor Acres — their first move in 16 years!

Sponsor thank you … YMCA Foundation of Sarasota hosted a patron party Thursday, Feb. 7, to kick off the “Night of the Jade Butterfly” event May 4. Despite the rain, more than 65 guests mingled with event Co-Chairwomen Dawn Epstein and Pat Martin, at the home of host Stanley Kane … Jewels abound … June Simmons Jewelry hosted a reception Thursday, Feb. 7, to kick off its Phillips House trunk show, at its location inside The Met. Designer Lisa Frankel was in attendance wearing a fabulous form-fitting dress. To kick off the Palm Ball weekend, blue sapphire earrings were auctioned, and June Simmons, as well as The Met donated a percentage of the evening’s sales to the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Spotted perusing the jewels were Gigi Silverberg, Eileen Scudder and Allison Scanlan … Healthy living … Gulf Coast Community Foundation hosted Dr. Andrew Weil at its Feb. 11 luncheon (also a sell-out). While discussing why what we eat matters, Dr. Weil commented he couldn’t drink the Sarasota water, because there’s too much chlorine, and also joked about the accompaniment of sweet tea with the healthy salmon salad.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

// BLACK TIE

19

(continued from page 17)

Scott and Melissa Hechlik

Stephanie and Pete Logan

Bob and Annie Nathan with Dick Matson

Jim and Anne Westman with Chrissy and Mike Hays

 Aimee and Chris Cogan

Russ and Eileen Zimmerman with Janice and Eddie Michaels

S A R A S OTA

POLO

CLUB

2013 SEASON BUY TICKETS AT THE GATE Public Always Welcome Every Sunday at 1:00 pm December 16 – April 7 Gates Open at 10:00 am Admission: $12 each Under 12 Free

941.907.0000

sarasotapolo.com Take University Parkway 3.5 miles east of I-75 and turn right on Lorraine Road.

2 0 1 3 S A R A S O TA P O L O S P O N S O R S

No play or riding experience needed!

Custom lesson and ticket gift packages available.

Call 941.907.0000 today!

99360

Learn to Play Polo

20

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

// BLACK TIE: Camera ready

// Cat Depot’s 10th Anniversary ‘Forget Me Not’ Gala // Benefiting Cat Depot | Saturday, Feb. 9, at Laurel Oak Club

Honorees Kathy Schersten and Deacon Humberto Alvia

Chairwomen Anna Thompson and Mariacarmen Romero-Vazmina

// Honoring Our Angels: Kathy Schersten and Deacon Humberto Alvia //

Benefiting Programs at St. Jude Church and Hispanic-American Center | Friday, Feb. 8, at Michael’s On East

Photos by Yaryna Klimchak

Alexandra Zanon and Mark Mitchell

Susanna Giddens and Kauai

Deborah Vaughan and Tim Wilkins

Iris Roosa and Judy Alexander

Pedro and Sofia Cava

Beautiful, Unique Furniture, Crystals, Mirrors, Collectibles, Bronze, Marble, Arts & more

104172

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Walter and Dorothy Brady

4402 S. Tamiami Tr. • Sarasota, FL 34231

941-926-4600

empireclassicgallery.com • rdtrade1@yahoo.com

n

stei r e s s a W Wendy

by ley e Laura Kep k y a b d m te c e u Can yoake and Dir ing y a l P w o t N a mis our fate? miss y ining...

CONTAINS

SARA BAY COUNTRY CLUB D AIVE le W E E NF ailab v O I A T s A ip INITI bersh m e M Trial

UAGE URE LANG

MAT

“Entertat-provoking though vant” ER and rele E OBSERV

sarasota

TWELL, TH -PAULA A

YING ALSO PLA GLEN ROSS RY GLENGABRRUARY 28 E -F W NO TAKE YOU CAN’TOU Y H IT IT W RIL 20 NOW-AP

Host of the 2013 LPGA Symetra Tour

SARA BAY COUNTRY CLUB

Founded in 1926, Sara Bay Country Club is a private, member-owned golf club located just northFounded of downtown Sarasota. by legendary in 1926, Sara BayDesigned Country Club is a private, architect Donald Ross, it ismember-owned recognized asgolf one of located the most clubs in club justprestigious north of downtown Sarasota.

Designed legendary architect Donald Ross, it Florida, and where the integrity of the gameby has been preserved. is recognized as one of the most prestigious clubs in Florida, Sara Bay…”Golf is our passion… Is it yours?”

Zachary Fine & Elizabeth King-Hall, photo by Gary W. Sweetman sponsored by

and where the integrity of the game has been preserved.

LOCAL NEWS

ASOLOREP.ORG 941-351-8000

103419

TheHomeTeam

(941) 355-7658 (941) 355-7658 7011 Willow St., Sarasota, 34243 7011 Willow St., Sarasota, 34243 www.sarabaycc.org www.sarabaycc.org membership.sbcc@verizon.net membership.sbcc@verizon.net

104264

Bay…”Golf is our passion… Is it yours?”

SARA BAY COUNTRY Sara CLUB

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

21

// BLACK TIE: Camera ready

Live Musical performances that Entertain, Engage, and Inspire

OF SARASOTA SARASOTA

Saturday–February 16–7:30 p.m.

Sunday–February 17–2:00 & 7:30 p.m.

In the Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum of Art

Tony Award Winning singer/actress

FAITH PRINCE With pianist Alex Rybeck

TICKETS FOR ALL PERFORMANCES BY PHONE –

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Paul Purcell, Trudi Caruso, Patti Purcell, John Caruso and Jay Logan

// Town Hall Lecture Series with Dr. Robert Gates // Benefiting Ringling College Library Association Tuesday, Feb. 5 | Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

941-360-7399

Tickets/details at www.artistseriesconcerts.org

SPONSORED BY

104357

DAILY 10A-4P

Linda A. Page

Featuring Sarasota’s Finest Properties

Longboat Key Bay Front Elegance Glorious views across Sarasota Bay greet you from all main rooms in this warm, elegant 5000 s.f. home. 4 bedrooms plus office and fitness room & 5 baths. Incredible storage, lots of outdoor entertaining space along with wide open Bay view, heated pool and spa, dock and lift make this the perfect Florida home. Remodeled by well know designer Sally Trout – this home is ready for you to move right in. $2,250,000 open moST SundayS

Dr. Robert Gates

Jack and Carol Failla

// Legacy Society Recognition Luncheon //

Benefiting Community Foundation of Sarasota County Thursday, Feb. 2 | The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Alinari Penthouse Gorgeous views by day and night from this through view penthouse plan! enjoy spectacular sunsets over Sarasota Bay and City skyline. 3 bedrooms plus den and 3 ½ baths. State of the art amenities: theater room; fitness, massage room, sauna; club, card, conference and party rooms. pool, spa, & grill area. 24 hr. concierge/doorman. 2 garage parking spaces and storage. $795,000 mLS#a3961090

What my clients are saying...

We have worked with Linda Page to both purchase and sell property. We wouldn’t trust anyone else with our real estate needs. – David & Gayla P. What distinguishes Linda is her absolute professionalism in every respect: extensive experience, industry and market knowledge, ethics, commitment, marketing acumen and salesmanship. She gets it done and turns what easily could be a stressful, difficult situation into a pleasant, rewarding one. In a market with many luxury Realtors, she stands out as one of the very best, if not the best. – Jeff & Bonnie L.

1350 Main – NEW most popular 2/2 split plan with sweeping Bay views from 15th floor. all amenities, including Featured speaker Ambassador James Joseph, President and CEO Roxie Jerde and board Chairman Phil Delaney

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Fran Lambert, Betty Schoenbaum and David Lambert

24-hour concierge. Walk everywhere. designer finished with glass tile backsplash and tub surround, custom lighting and window treatments, cabinets, etc. 10’ ceilings on 15th floor. $698,000

Beau Ciel Luxury living overlooking Sarasota Bay & downtown skyline. With Sarasota’s only through-view floor plans on

Sarasota’s Bay front, capture sunrise and sunset from these magnificent ”house-size“ residences. exceptional amenities include: private elevators; tropical pool and spa deck; media, fitness, conf/dining & club rooms – even room service and boat slips through Hyatt Regency. all of this for only 44 residences, and an easy walk to downtown restaurants, arts and shopping. Sale or rentals. Call for availability.

941-504-0123 C 941-951-6660 O LindaPage@MichaelSaunders.com www.lindapageproperties.com www.BeauCiel.net

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

M AY F A I R

Beverley Albertson, Jennifer Rust, Scott Rockwell and Anne Garlington

Ron Koepsel and Nicci Kobritz

International Realty

104001

Voted “Best in Client Satisfaction” every year as seen in SARASOTA Magazine

22

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

// BLACK TIE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

by Stephanie Hannum | Diversions Managing Editor

social studies: LYNN BARRIE On the back porch of her ‘Shangri La in the middle of nowhere,’ Lynn Barrie reminisces about her bucket list accomplishments. Married to Richie for 34 years, and mother of two and two stepchildren, Barrie exudes pure grace and can be often found mentoring, and opening her home, to young people.

It was very important to me to not let rowing affect my relationship or my family. There was a fine balance. The thing I loved the most about it was the kind of woman it

attracted — there were no wussies allowed — they were strong, committed and loyal. We experienced the agony and ecstasy together.

I’ve done every exercise

thing possible. My current thing now is Pilates Body on the Reformer machines. I was looking for something at this point in my life that I can continue doing.

My mother started my love for fashion. She always put herself together in a very fashionable way; she was a huge influence on me. I didn’t realize how wonderful my family background was until I left home and began working in London.

The power of the parent is amazing.

My modeling career began in Eng-

oto

Courtesy Ph

land with commercials. My biggest jobs were Manikin cigars in Europe and Winston Cigarettes in America, which put me on the map. Ironic that I’m

Photo by Stephanie Hannum

so into health and my biggest jobs were for smoking companies.

However, I was always saving my money to travel.

For the past seven years, we have spent August

and September in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. It’s a 15thcentury Spanish colonial town. It has the sophisticated flare that we love but with the laid back Mexican culture. It’s our home away from home.

My love of Africa was ignited because I was partly brought up there — my father was an en-

gineer with a British company. I have been there numerous times since, but the highlight came six years ago when I summited Mount Kilimanjaro. It was on my bucket list — I went with my sister and a girlfriend. We trained for six months — we were regulars on the Ringling bridge with hiking boots and backpacks filled with 30-pound weights. I’m very proud that I summited, it was the most amazing experience.

sister, Marie, and I have created Byrd On A Wire. It’s a little company we’re putting together featuring vintage clothing. It’s going to have an edge — we’re having

was when my sister and I went trekking with wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda. We hiked to

Florida Orthopedic Specialists provides expertise in a broad range of orthopedic treatments and dedication to the best patient experience. With a state-of-the-art facility featuring the latest in technology and a highly skilled team, you can expect unparalleled patient care.

Thanks to Everyone for Supporting

Nosh and Nanotech A Technion Brunch

* Home to three of the five Israelis to be awarded the Nobel Prize in science. * The engine behind Israel’s worldwide reputation as “the Start-Up Nation”.

My daughter, Zara, and

ONE ACTIVE FAMILY. ONE ORTHOPEDIC CENTER.

* Israel’s first and oldest university – established in 1912, prior to statehood.

* Cornell’s partner in the historic new applied science campus being built in New York City.

Rwanda is the most beautiful country — it was my undiscovered part of Africa. A year-andhalf later, I took my family (Richie, Blake and Zara) back, because I wanted to share it with them.

They said that trip changed their lives.

Another exciting time

The Technion Is:

* Israel’s premier science and technology university.

12,000 feet and when we got there, it was like a religious experience.

OUR PATIENTS - FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Liza, John & Betsy Kane-Hartnett

“Over the years we had seen several orthopedists in town but were never impressed.

They seemed to lack knowledge or compassion or both. Then when Liza was in high school, she went to Florida Orthopedic Specialists for a minor sports injury. They not only diagnosed her somewhat obscure problem, but explained things in a way that she understood without being patronizing or pedantic. When John needed rotator cuff surgery and when I had bursitis, Florida Orthopedic Specialists - with their skilled diagnosticians, surgeons, and communicators - was our clear choice.

We wouldn’t consider going anywhere else.” Betsy Kane-Hartnett

Brunch Chair Lillian Brent and Dr. Robert Brent

* All this and much more... visit www.ats.org to discover the Technion!

CONSULTANTS FOR

Guest Speakers Carol Epstein and Technion Professor Wayne Kaplan

• PREMIER SPORTS CAMPUS AT LAKEWOOD RANCH • THE OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY • SARASOTA ORCHESTRA • IMG ACADEMIES CHRISTOPHER R. SFORZO, M.D. CHRISTOPHER L. DILLINGHAM, M.D. BOARD-CERTIFIED. FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS.

Three generations of Technion supporters: Sarah, David, and Naomi Wertheimer 104063

Sarasota/Gulf Coast Chapter 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, Florida 34232 (941) 378-1500 | jennifer@ats.org

FLORIDA ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS AND SPORTS MEDICINE

5831 Bee Ridge Road • Suite 200 Sarasota, FL 34233

941.378.5100 • fossm.com

101364

When I lived in Westport, Conn., I rowed competitively for eight years — and competed in three world championships. My kids were little, so I would get up and row at 4:30 a.m. and then get the kids off to school. Rowing is the most highly committed sport.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

“A gravity–defying spectacle” “Best of Edinburgh Award”

23

— THE NEW YORK TIMES

WINNER OF

IN 2011

© ANDY PHILLIPSON

LEO

Produced and Created

by Circle of Eleven

February 21-23, 7:30 pm Historic Asolo Theater Tickets: $15, $20, $25 | 941.360.7399 or ringling.org The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art THE STATE ART MUSEUM OF FLORIDA | THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

104429

Art of Our Time is made possible by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Macys.

AOOT_Observer_FPDV-LEO.indd 1

2/8/13 8:56 AM

YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

100683

24