Diversions 11.14.13

Diversions YourObserver.com

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Choreographer Noah Racey dances his way back to Sarasota PAGES 2-3

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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YourObserver.com

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: IN THE LOOP

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

SONG-AND-DANCE MAN Noah Racey returns to Sarasota to charm Asolo Rep audiences for a second time.

Although he’s just here to choreograph “Show Boat,” he’s sure his Sarasota ship hasn’t set sail.

“One has made me a much better the other,” Noah Racey says about choreography versus performing.

Photo by Mallory Gnaegy

A redheaded woman in her 70s bombards Noah Racey after spotting him in the lobby of Asolo Reperatory Theatre. Although they’ve never met, she gives him a big, excited hug. He’s the type of guy women want to embrace.

The woman gushes about “Noah Racey’s: PULSE, The Beat of Song and Dance,” a show written, choreographed and performed by Racey, which held its world premiere at Asolo Rep in the spring.

“I was sitting there just tapping my feet the whole time,” she says to him of the show. According to reviews, ticket sales and this particular fan, it was a big hit.

“Well, will you come see ‘Show Boat?’” he asks her. Racey, 43, choreographed the Asolo Repertory Theatre classic musical, which opens the theater’s season Nov. 15. It’s going to be completely different than “PULSE,” he tells her. She wasn’t planning to, but he charmed her into getting a ticket and bringing four of

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT her friends.

Racey is just as magnetic off stage as he is on stage — although hats and batons don’t magically fall into his hands in real life as they do in his production. He’s easygoing, but with high energy — what you see is what you get.

Racey slouches comfortably on one of the Asolo Rep lobby’s benches eating a granola bar, cracking one-liners whenever he can fit one into the conversation.

How does he spend his time?

He sits alone and knits a sweater for his cat, Djembe. Is this what he’s always wanted to do? No, he was going to be Phil Collins, but taller. How’d they wrangle you into choreographing “Show Boat?”

“They stole one of my children,” he says — Racey doesn’t have children.

Just like when he’s dancing, Racey doesn’t miss a beat. Go figure his career started with drumming. If you’ve seen “PULSE,” which highlights rhythm and hand drumming, it all starts to make sense.

His rhythmic nature started at a young age. He grew up in Seattle in a family full of “the kinda people who just love to boogie and shake their ass,” he says.

Racey was a ‘C’ and ‘D’ student, probably because he couldn’t sit in his seat long enough to concentrate. Then he joined theater, and with the benefit of the constructive outlet, he got a 3.0 grade point average.

He attributes his start in show business to his high school the-

HOP ABOARD ‘SHOW BOAT’ There are three licensed versions of “Show Boat:” The original, The Hal Prince and the Goodspeed Opera House.

Noah Racey originally choreographed the third licensed version of “Show Boat” for the Connecticut-based Goodspeed Opera House (where “Man of La Mancha,” “Shenandoah,” and “Annie” were conceived). It was reworked for the 21st century and a smaller-scale musical typically known for its large-scale grandiosity. It employs one-third ater teacher, Ruben Van Kempken, with whom he still stays in touch. Van Kempken taught him his first tap step and dedicated his lunch breaks to teaching a young Racey the basics of ballet so he wouldn’t be scared to take a ballet class. And, it’s a good thing he learned to dance, because these days there’s less of a demand for a taller Phil Collins.

Luckily for Racey, what there is a demand for is a classic song-and-dance man. He highlighted those talents in his show “PULSE,” which made its way to Sarasota upon the suggestion of Jeff Calhoun. Calhoun, Racey’s long-time friend from their home base of New York City, directed the Asolo Rep’s production of “Bonnie & Clyde” before directing its debut on Broadway.

With his past positive experience of the Sarasota venue, Cal-

of the cast of the original version and has smaller sets. It simplifies it to place the focus on the relationships of the characters.

Racey says it carves away some of the extraneous business of the original to leave the audience with a more poignant story. He says the Sarasota production is the same choreography he used at Goodspeed, but better because he got to do it again and made the changes he would have made the first go-around. houn suggested it’d be the perfect place to unveil Racey’s “PULSE.” Racey learned Calhoun was right. He says Asolo Repertory Theatre nurtures baby productions and that the staff was willing to do whatever he needed to make it happen.

It’s one of the reasons Racey wants to come back as soon as possible.

He’s gracious about what Asolo Rep has done for him. He greets the guys backstage by name. He knows everyone, from the guy who pulls the flys to the people in the back corner office without a window.

And, he loves Sarasota. The staff at Toasted Mango Café recognize him because he’s a regular the six weeks he’s in town — his favorite is the Sarasota omelet.

His experience in Sarasota was and is continuing to be positive,

Nothing is impossible if you try / you’ll be sure to work it out by and by / If you never say quit, never say die / nothing is impossible if you try – Noah Racey sings a song from his first musical, “The Electric Sunshine Man,” which he performed in middle school. and he hopes to work with Asolo Repertory Theatre in developing new productions in the future.

Specifically, he wants to work more with Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards.

As far as “PULSE’s” future — conversations are in the works.

Following the Sarasota run, the production became enhanced, meaning there’s a financial backer. Now all he needs is a location.

Will he continue to be the leading man if it goes on tour?

“No, it’ll be ‘Noah Racey’s PULSE’ starring Tony Danza,” he says sarcastically with a laugh.

One thing he doesn’t make jokes about is wanting to come back to Sarasota if “PULSE” goes on the road.

“I would really like that,” he says. “It would seem only right because we were kind of given birth here.”

IF YOU GO ‘Show Boat’ When: Opens 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 29.

Where: Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Cost: Tickets $33 to $75 Info: Call 351-8000 or visit asolorep.org

YOUROBSERVER.COM // Watch Noah Racey talk about his history with Sarasota and Asolo Repertory Theatre online.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Art Center Sarasota hosts successful season launch Art Center Sarasota bustled with foot traffic at its first show of the season Nov. 7. Four new exhibitions opened: CUBEMUSIC, Pulp Culture: Of and About Paper, Art Center Sarasota Instructor’s Show and Miniatures.

Gallery One featured artist Craig Colorusso’s light and sound installation. Six metal cubes, each containing a light and sound source, sat in the space.

Each cube projects a different four-note chord and shape into the room creating a blanket of sound one person described as aliens landing, and another as the sound of night — something unique and new for the art center.

Gallery Two featured art made from paper and paper products — everything from sculptural book art to intricately hand-cut paper. Gallery Three displayed work of the Art Center Sarasota instructors, such as watercolor work by Ann Abgott and sculpture by Kevin Costello. Gallery Four highlighted the talent in Sarasota — and although miniature works were the focus, art of big talent was on display.

It is an eclectic mix catered toward all tastes — fortunately, it hangs through Jan. 3. If the first show is any indication of what to expect for the upcoming season, then it’s sure to be a good one.

Artist Craig Colorusso with one of his six CUBEMUSIC metal cubes. Each projects a different four-note chord as well as light from differently shaped cut holes.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: SPOTLIGHT

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Jake Mills becomes the Strangely Flatulent Although it’s a comedy, “Spamalot” made Jake Mills cry. The actor saw the comedic musical based on slapstick movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” when it first opened in London, and he laughed for the duration of the production — until the confetti cannons went off.

“I’ve seen the saddest of plays and never cried,” Mills says, shaking his head in shame. Just like the bursting cannons, he couldn’t hold it inside. It’s something he has only ever told his wife, Samantha Mills.

Mills doesn’t think Florida Studio Theatre will have confetti cannons for its production opening Nov. 13. Mills plays Sir Bedevere The Strangely Flatulent, the not-so-smart brains of the bunch of misfit Knights of the Round Table. And as the name implies, his brain isn’t the only thing full of gas. In fact, in his entrance, he walks out on stage, lifts a cheek to suggest he’s tooting and then airs out his tunic.

“It’s a talent I don’t like to brag about,” he says — joking about how he doesn’t need to improvise and could let one go on command.

His wife is not only a saint for having to endure what smells to be typecasting, but she’s also a dancer. They met at the Williamsburg, Va., Busch Gardens in a Halloween production in which Jake Mills played a vampire lead singer, and Samantha played one of his backup dancers. She joined the “Spamalot” cast late in the production, and Mills loves getting to perform with her again. It’s

IF YOU GO ‘Spamalot’ When: Opens 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 13 and runs through Jan. 11 Where: Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. Cost: Tickets are $19 to $42 Info: Call 366-9000 or visit floridastudiotheatre.org

Mallory Gnaegy

“At the end of the show, there’s all these confetti cannons that go off in the London production,” Jake Mills says.

“I cried tears of joy, and I felt so happy.” the added bonus of getting to see Sam-a-lot.

The for-now Sarasotans moved to the area the day after Christmas for Jake Mills to pursue an acting apprenticeship with Florida Studio Theatre. He understudied in four of last season’s productions, and joined FST improv. Although, Mills says he’s not funny and just happens to have a knack for comedic roles. He’s more reserved, but funnier than he lets on. Mills comes into his own on stage be-

cause he gets to pretend to be someone who isn’t shy in real life.

Because of his apprenticeship, FST staff invited him to teach at its summer camp. He worked with the special needs VIP Kids.

His wife also taught at the summer camp, and they share a favorite memory. A 6-year-old boy in a wheelchair didn’t understand the concept of being quiet during performances, so the Millses would take him beyond backstage during perfor-

mances and attempt to keep him occupied. Instead of coloring per usual, Mills and his wife gave him an adventure one day: They told him they would give him three quarters to buy a soda, if the camper could raise the fourth.

“He was backstage yelling ‘Does anyone have a quarter?’ and everyone could hear it on stage,” Jake Mills recalls.

It’s remained a running joke.

His apprenticeship ended mid-

August, and now Mills is what he refers to as “a paid, cool actor guy.” He’s willing to go wherever the job takes him, and wouldn’t mind staying in Sarasota. Ideally, he will be back in New York City.

Before Sarasota, The Millses lived there and Jake Mills sold tickets to Broadway productions as a side job while auditioning.

Upon moving here, the couple temporarily bunked at the home of Mills’ Sarasota-based grandparents, William aka “Poppers” and Barbara aka “Moppers” Mills.

Moppers always wants her grandson to break out into song, and his wife in dance, he explains.

Always.

“Whenever she sees me,” Mills explains with a laugh. “I always tell her to come see a show.”

And he thinks everyone in Sarasota should join Moppers in seeing “Spamalot.”

“Because it made me cry, and it’s going to make you cry,” he says.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS

Changing the World One Smile at a Time

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The stage started as black and white.

But it turned to a rainbow of technicolored lights when the 12 Trustee Scholars took the stage. Ringling College of Art and Design hosted an annual dinner to recognize the students designated trustee scholars, the highest honor one can get at the school Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

MUSIC // Masterworks ‘Dawning of a New Season’ I was proud to be a Sarasotan before Anu Tali arrived, but now that she’s here as the new music director of the Sarasota Orchestra, I could pop my buttons. And, coming from a born-and-bred Manhattanite brought up with the New York Philharmonic, that’s saying a lot.

Tali’s official debut with the orchestra took place this weekend, and she and her forces pretty much blew the roof off the Van Wezel.

This is a conductor with a concept. She seems to practice and preach the musical concepts of long lines, tension, phrasing and detail.

But she never loses the forest for the trees.

Tali and the 27-year-old Czech pianist, Lukas Vondraceck, colAnu Tali laborated on a brilliant reading of Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,” bringing out inner voices and colors that made this work seem reborn. There were ripples of humor, stretches of passion and intense musicality that delineated the kind of music making generally relegated to the best of chamber performances.

Vondracek, whose technique and artistry seem infinite, pulled colors from his instrument like Chagall painting murals. And, while he was tossing off staccatos, Tali had the orchestra plucking pizzicatos that were

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like crystals snapping from a branch. This was a crisp but hot-blooded performance that fused the orchestra with the pianist so, under Tali’s incisive direction, it wasn’t soloist pitted against accompanists but, rather, a cohesive merger of musicians listening and attuned to each other to bring out what the composer intended. Exciting stuff.

Heino Eller’s “Koit” (“Dawn”) opened the program with a sense of expectancy like the sun sliding from the darkness. Eller, an Estonian composer who lived until 1970, wrote this programmatic piece with a northern sound that seems to echo the fiords with a splash of Debussy’s “La Mer” and a touch of Mahler. Opening in a minor key with a lonely, dark oboe solo, it transforms into the radiance of sunshine, giving each of the orchestra’s sections a chance to play brilliantly.

But it was in the Dvorak Seventh Symphony that the musicians really gave us an idea of what lies ahead for this ensemble and its new conductor. Here, even more than before, there was a unity and fullness of sound that opened the door to real greatness. Definition. Clarity. Long lines with character, arch, delineation and forward motion.

From the gorgeous “Immer Leiser” melody in the first movement to the stirring, organlike finale, Tali pulled sounds from her ensemble that we’d not heard before but we look forward to hearing again.

The thunderous roar from the audience after the last note was more like a crowd witnessing a grand-slam homer. That’s what should happen in classical music. That’s the excitement we want and crave. And, if that weren’t enough, after giving credit to her wonderful musicians, Tali turned her back to us and led the most Hungarian of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances you could imagine. Fiery, zesty, a little drunken gypsy-like, it was the perfect encore for a perfect performance.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

// HOME&GARDEN : HOME OF THE MONTH

WHERE

by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer (continued from page 1)

STYLE

Designed in 1926 by Dwight Baum , the Hart House is one of St. Armands' earliest homes.

MEETS B

 The Harts enjoy entertaining in the dining room, which opens onto a walled patio. “It’s like being in Provence,” says owner Jeff Hart.

ack in 1926, just as John Ringling was developing St. Armands Key as the epitome of Florida glamour, he — along with architect Dwight Baum — built three houses to function as model homes. The Spanish-style residences were designed to lure potential buyers to the charms of the elaborate community-to-be, ringed by canals and anchored by a circle of fashionable shops and restaurants.

The dream turned out a little different. Boom turned to bust, then to boom again. But now, almost 100 years later, no one can deny that St. Armands has become what its builders originally intended: one of the premier neighborhoods in Florida.

And what of the model homes? Have they vanished, replaced by much larger and more elaborate mansions? Surprisingly, two of them are still there, still sitting next to each other on South Washington Drive. And the one owned

by Jeff and Joyce Hart has become a jewel box of Sarasota style and history.

It’s been in the family since 1968.

That’s when Hart’s parents bought it and moved to escape the cold Ohio

winters. Joyce, a graduate of Sarasota High, spent her teenage years in the house. Her old bedroom, on the ground floor, is now a sophisticated den/media room that forms a suite with the adjoining master bedroom.

Joyce attended Ringling College of Art and Design, studying interior design, and she met fellow Ringling alum Jeff Hart. They began a partnership in life and later, business, working together at Robb & Stucky until the furniture retailer closed in 2009. They then established their own design business, J. Hart Interior Design. Married since 1975, they have a daughter, Jessica, born in 1982.

In 1996 Joyce’s mother decided she wanted a simpler lifestyle, so the Harts bought the house from her and constructed a guest apartment over the garage so that she could remain close.

The couple assumed their prized collection of French art deco furniture would look wonderful in the old house. They were wrong. “Art Deco didn’t work,” Jeff recalls.

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// HOME&GARDEN with a new approach: Palm Beach in the 1920s. “It’s Mediterranean, but with a French influence,” Jeff explains.

The result is an elegant Palm Beach palazzo, small in scale but big on glamour.

The home still retains its original layout, with very minor changes to improve circulation and add closets (the lack of which is always the bane of 1920’s houses.) The Harts added a pool, updated the kitchen and bathrooms and replaced most of the windows, which, over the years, had been switched out to jalousies.

But the original wood and tile floors are still there, plus the beams that support the vaulted ceiling in the living room. The tiles that surround the fireplace are the same ones found in the Cà d’Zan (also designed by Baum) and the French doors that open from the dining room to a walled patio have never been replaced. All this takes effort, but as Joyce explains, “It’s a good thing that I’m the daughter of a painting contractor. I scrape and repaint every other year.”

The couple furnished their home with finds from all over the world. In the foyer is a cabinet they stumbled across in a Parisian flea market and shipped home via Cunard Lines. In the master bedroom furniture that has been in Jeff’s family for generations blends comfortably with newer pieces. There’s even a Victorian pier mirror, a gift from a client who was planning to throw it out.

With their many ties to Sarasota’s art and design community, the Harts have been collecting paintings for years. Most are by local artists. An exquisite Syd Solomon, from his “Shoreline” series, hangs in the foyer, and a portrait of Jessica Hart by John Dineen adds warmth to the living room. Some of the smaller paintings peek out at you from unexpected places — nes-

 Wooden gates from John Ringling Towers add a colorful note of local history. tled on little stools under a sideboard or tucked away in odd corners. One, in the bar, is hidden in such a way that it can only be seen reflected in a mirror.

The Hart home is not large, but it has an intriguing layout. Large rooms flow into small rooms, and there are patios and garden spaces everywhere. A tiny sunroom overlooks the pool, which is sheltered from the street by high Palm Beach-style hedges. The third bedroom is located on the second floor, the only room up there, with furniture and window treatments done in a crisp black and white toile. There are even some intriguing pieces of Sarasota history to be discovered. The wooden gates that lead down a tiled path to the back garden come from John Ringling Towers and are instantly recognizable to old-time Sarasotans.

These days the Harts are busier than ever. Sometimes they work jointly on a project, sometimes separately. Joyce, who admits to being the more traditional of the two, is excited about a garden house on St. Armands she is currently decorating, and Jeff, with a more contemporary aesthetic, has his hands full with a slew of remodeling projects. “People are always interested

 Original touches in the living room include wood floors, a beamed ceiling and a fireplace decorated with the same tiles found in the Cà d’Zan. Most of the paintings are by local artists. in location,” he says. “There are a lot of 30-year-old homes and villas in great locations that need bringing up to date.”

When not working, Jeff and Joyce love to entertain. They are both cooks, with Joyce giving her husband the edge. “I specialize in French country cooking, cassoulets and such,” she says, “but Jeff can cook anything.”

Their formal dining room, light and airy, is the scene of many dinner parties for eight, with friends they’ve made from all walks of life during their decades in Sarasota.

And invariably, their home makes any evening memorable. China and silverware glow in the candlelight, and a soft breeze from the Gulf wafts in through the open French doors. It’s a scene that would make John Ringling proud — his vision for St. Armands, better than ever after all these years.

Photos by Heather Merriman

 In the master bedroom, furniture that belonged to Jeff Hart’s grandmother keeps things all in the family. The night stand was once her sewing table.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

// FOOD&COOKING: HIGHLIGHTS

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

KEY CLUB HOSTS AN EVENT WITH A HEAVY POUR

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he Roman god of wine, Bacchus, was surely pleased this past weekend. Stone Crab Celebration and Wine Tasting wrapped up the third annual “Bacchus on the Beach” weekend Nov. 9, at The Resort at Longboat Key Club.

After two days of gourmet vintner-led dinners around the campus of The Resort at Longboat Key Club plus demonstrations and plenty of wine drinking, the Stone Crab Celebration and Wine Tasting culminated the weekend. Key Club chefs prepared food fit for Bacchus himself — curried mussels, stone crabs and barbecued pork. Vineyards and their winemakers from California to France were well represented to give samples (or three) of their wines.

Left: Gayle Guyardo and Mark Pichowski. Top: Champagne Collet from the heart of the champagne region of France. Bottom: Randy and Nikki Adams with Andrea and Matt McHugh

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TIDBITES

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

COLUMN Contributing Columnist june@junelebell.com

THERE’S MORE TO FRESH START THAN MEETS THE EYE

W

e were having our lunch the other day at Fresh Start Café, and we started talking to Rochelle Seldin who, with Hanna Schneider and a great team of cooks and servers, runs the lovely indooroutdoor space on South Orange Avenue. We’d seen her and waved hello in the past but we’d never had an in-depth conversation. We knew she and Hanna ran a great place for breakfast and lunch, and we felt festive and had fun when we went there. What we didn’t know was that Rochelle used to be at the famous Manhattan cabaret, EightyEights. She and Karen Miller were the longest-running team in the cabaret/piano bar world — some 20 years — and, when the place closed down in 1998 (it was Halloween), they said their goodbyes with dozens of deliriously dizzy cabaret stars who’d come to pay tribute with songs and humongous

bouquets of flowers.

One article said it all, “Rochelle did several solo sets, each of which was met with prolonged cheers and more than a few moist eyes. She was in sensational voice, but it was hard to hear her perform so many longtime favorites for the last time in Eighty-Eights.”

Life goes on, and Rochelle has made a “Fresh Start” and is now doing a lot of everything (except singing) at Fresh Start: cooking, busing tables, greeting customers, serving food and making sure we all feel at home. She says she misses singing, something to which I can relate. But cooking and creating home-baked pastries, heart-warming soups, spicy jalapeno chili and baked-to-order frittatas is another great way to be artistic and, who knows … maybe if we beg a little, we’ll get a song from this legendary songstress.

QUICKS BITE

Louies Modern has reopened for lunch with a new menu that sounds intricate and fun. From its grilled yellowfin tuna BLT on millet toast, to the garbanzo quinoa wrap with curry mango aioli, Louies is living up to its reputation for serving ingenious varieties for all palates — vegans, vegetarians and carnivores. Its hours are unusual, too, for a major restaurant: Louies’ Barista Bar opens every morning at 7 a.m.

JAMES BEARD CELEBRITY CHEF TOUR IS BACK

by June LeBell

Perry Johnson

Louies Modern’s vegan shepherd's pie for breakfast bites, coffee and tea.

Lunch is served in the restaurant

F

or the last four or five years I lived in New York City, I belonged to the James Beard Foundation and was able to visit the famous chef’s former home — a beautiful townhouse in the Village — for luxurious lunches and dinners, complete with matching wines, made by celebrity chefs from all over the world.

Last year, the James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour came to Sarasota for the first time, was completely sold out and was such a success, it’s returning Dec. 11 with a five-course meal at Darwin’s on Fourth. Chef Darwin Santa Maria has personally selected some of his favorite internationally renowned chefs to collaborate on a Peruvian/ Latin-themed meal. You’ll meet Steven Meese of PBS’ “A Chef’s Journey;” the Miami Mandarin Oriental’s Diego Oka; Anthony Lamas, who is known as “the leader of the Latin food revolution,” from Louisville’s Seviche; and Sarasota’s own Steve Phelps, who reigns at Indigenous,

starting at 11:30 a.m. And dinner service begins at 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, Libby’s has rolled out its new winter menu, which features both small and large plates, soups, salads, desserts and all sorts of inventive drinks. Big or little, the plates are pretty inventive, too, from pigs in a pretzel blanket to several noodle dishes and my favorite salad: the iceberg wedge with prosciutto, Moody blue cheese, applewood bacon, tomato and onion frites.

European Traditions

Chef Darwin Santa Maria

Last year’s Grand Tasting

PUT A FORK IN IT Tickets have gone on sale for the seventh annual Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival, which is slated to take place Jan. 24 through Jan. 27. This four-day culinary festival includes The Grand Tasting in the beautiful courtyard of the Ringling Museum. Kate Atkin, executive director of Sarasota-Manatee Originals, tells us: “Because these tickets are the most sought-after in town, we recommend that people buy their tickets early.”

Last year, they sold out in a matter of hours but, being optimists, we’re hoping there are still a few available — for the whole event, itself, if not for The Grand Tasting.

The Originals have gone to great lengths to bring together a vast array of guest vintners and breweries from France, Italy, South America, New Zealand, California, Oregon and Washington. And, this year, there will be a silent auction of fine wines to benefit All Faiths Food Bank.

“Raising money for area nonprofit groups is a vital element of this event,” Atkin says.

For more information, visit dineoriginal.com/forksandcorks or call 365-2800.

in Towles Court.

The tour began in 2004 as a way to bring the unique experience of dining at the historic James Beard House to cities around the country; past chefs have included Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse and Jacques Pepin. Proceeds benefit the James Beard Foundation but, as you can imagine, seating is limited, so we suggest you make a reservation quickly by calling 343-2165.

Carmel Café, the romantic, cozy, fun place up on Cooper Creek Boulevard, is celebrating a whole new crop of fall flavors from a new arancini — a fried risotto with Parmesan, fontina and asiago cheeses — to specialty pastas such as pumpkin ravioli with toasted walnuts and sage cream sauce. This is the restaurant that urges you to peruse the menu and order on special iPads provided at every table. You do the drinks that way, too. It’s fun, easy and efficient, without making us feel rushed.

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Black Tie

INSIDE: Dogs Night Out: Paws on Palm PAGE 18

YourObserver.com

 Tom and Gwen Watson

Courtesy

Jean Weidner-Goldstein and Alfred Goldstein

by Heather Merriman Black Tie Assistant Editor

 Pete Russell and Cathy Layton

It was a stunning evening as donors gathered Thursday, Nov. 7 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for the donor preview event of the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden.

Streams of green lights and

Brooke and Karen Misantone, Margie and Kelvin Cooper and Mindy and Wayne Rollins

Nola Hietbrink, Sharyn Weiner and Shantelle Schmidt

Photos by Heather Merriman

Pattie Clendenin and Beverly Koski

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

 The Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden transformed into a magical jungle Thursday, Nov. 7, for the donor preview event.

musicians playing African musical instruments serenaded guests as they entered the garden that had been transformed into a magical jungle for the evening. Guests mingled, enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and exploring the grounds in which they made possible. Among those in attendance were Distin-

Herb Schaal and Susan McLeod

guished Benefactor donors Alfred Goldstein and Beverly Koski.

It was announced at the event that in honor of their generous contributions and support of the Rainforest Garden, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens contributed a gift to preserve 10,000 acres of rainforest habitat in South America.

 Kimberly Bailey brought Zacka, her 25-yearold blue and gold macaw, to the event.

Christopher Romine with Sarah and George Pappas

William Harrison, Dee Stottlemyer, Alice Rau and Charles Stottlemyer

Michael Saunders with Elton and Gordie White

RE-IMAGINE HEALTHCARE

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

// BLACK TIE: COLUMN

BLACKTIE&TALES

by Black Tie Staff

Courtesy

Photos by Heather Merriman

Chairwoman Susan Wilcox, Board President Tom Breiter, Executive Director Brynne Anne Besio and Leah Flores, of presenting sponsor Wells Fargo

Chuck and Margie Barancik, David and Edie Chaifetz, honoree Teri Hansen, Brian Lipton and Stacy and Ben Hanan

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t happens every season — so many events conflict that BT simply cannot be in multiple places at once. This happened Saturday, Nov. 2, when BT missed photographing more than 500 guests at Snooty’s 21st annual gala, at South Florida Museum. Chaired by Susan Wilcox, the event had to change plans a bit due to the weather, but no fun was sacrificed. Tables were moved under cover, and the band, Double Vision, moved to the covered museum entryway. The successful evening raised money to benefit the museum’s educational programs and exhibitions.

S TIDBIT

The stars were out … Margaret Wise never disappoints.

The honoree of the Nov. 4 Starry Night Dinner Celebrating “Show Boat” stuck closely to the requested attire: Southern cocktail chic.

Wise dressed to impress Bill and in a period dress from the Margaret Asolo Rep costume Wise show. For more photos, see page 20

T

he theme of the AJC 2013 Civic Achievement Award Dinner honoring Teri Hansen is “making connections,” because a connected community is a strong community. At the sponsor kickoff Nov. 4, at Michael’s Wine Cellar, Brian Lipton encouraged everyone to go up to someone they didn’t know and introduce themselves. More than 85 honorary committee members — who are also sponsors that have given at least $1,000 — gathered to kick off the event that takes place Nov. 13, at Michael’s On East.

Honoree Teri Hansen thanked the group for being there, including “Elton White, who says he normally wouldn’t drink at 4:30 p.m., but he would for me.”

and YourObserver.com … At the helm … Wendy Merriman has taken on a new title: regional director of Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida. “I am thrilled and honored to be part of such a wonderful organization,” says Merriman … Years of brunching … More than 1,000 people converged on the campus of USF SarasotaManatee to enjoy bites from 19 area restaurants.

Michael’s On East, Mattison’s and Ophelia’s were presented with bronze bowls to recognize their involvement in all 20 years of Brunch on the Bay. The event has raised more than $1.3 million for endowment over the past 20 years and has provided 1,000 scholarships.

Guild

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Monday, noveMber 18, 2013

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•

Enjoy backstage tours of the set of Show Boat.

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See scenes from the Asolo Rep touring production Romeo & Juliet.

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December

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2013

Learn all about the Guild — who we are and what we do, including our exclusive PUT A KID IN A SEAT program.

Learn about the many ways you can volunteer along with others who share the love of theatre.

Thursday • 6pm • Darwin’s on 4th

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

17

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY ST. MARTHA CATHOLIC CHURCH 100-YEAR CELEBRATION GALA Benefiting St. Martha Catholic Church Saturday, Nov. 9, at Michael’s On East

Chairwomen Rebecca Blitz, Beth Cannata and Mary KenealyBarbetta The Rev. Fausto Stampiglia with Louis Zazarino and Linda Serio

Amanda and Eddie Lopez

Katherine Stephens and Ross Cibella

Mary Trichter and Siobhan Young

Liz McNelis with Chris and Shannon Pokorski

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Siesta Interiors Reliable and Professional Interior Design

Interior Design | Window Treatments | Flooring Furniture & Accessories | Kitchen & Bath Renovations Lighting | All Hunter Douglas Window Treatments

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2095 Siesta Drive | Across from Dillards 941.951.1822 | 941. 724.2353 cell www.siestainteriorsfl.com

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26 YEARS in Business!

WE DO IT ALL

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DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY DOGS NIGHT OUT: ‘PAWS ON PALM’ Benefiting Animal Rescue Coalition Thursday, Nov. 7, at The Francis and Palm Avenue

Kristy Cuza with her French bulldog Wrigley

Susan Tone with her yellow lab Millard and Mary-Lou Moulton with her black lab Miss Fay

Michele Strauss with Zeus

Aggie the English bulldog rides shotgun to “Paws on Palm.”

ARC Executive Director Gisele Pintchuck with Co-Chairs Shelley Sarbey and Karin Gustafson

Relax, Stressless® recliners starting at $1,195 Now Thr u Nov . 25

Photos by Heather Merriman

Ella Lahners with Gracie

Elisabeth Waters and Chris Volker with Mim

thisholiday

You Deserve The BEsT giFT EvEr.

Cabinetry

Closets

Enhance your favorite spaces with new cabinets, countertops and closets.

From new construction to a complete refurbishment, Affinity Kitchen & Bath specializes in taking your vision and creating a quality, customized look for your home.

Choose the Size that Fits you Best

$ 4 0 0 OFF

Call 953.3240 and ask about our 50% off quartz countertop special*!

the purchase of select Stressless® recliners.*

*While supplies last. Solid black, white or champagne

copenhagen imports *while quantities last

When Quality Comes First.™

1035 N Lime Ave. | Sarasota, Florida 34237 | SRQ-Kitchens.com | 941.953.3240 125961

Monday-Saturday 10-6 • Sunday Noon-5 www.copenhagen-imports.com 941-923-2569 • 7211 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL

quartz only. Mention DV/EC069 to take advantage of this limited time offer. Must be purchased by DEC 31, 2013. Can be installed in first quarter of 2014.

Granite | Marble | Quartz | CaMbria® | Vetrostone™ | Corian® open Mon–Fri 10aM to 5pM, sat 10aM to 2pM

115160

RECEIVE

Countertops

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

19

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

Our commitment is clear.

At LernerCohen Healthcare, our commitment to our patients is clear.

We limit the number of people we treat, never keep you waiting, and always answer the phone when you call, every day and any time.

– Board Certified in Internal Medicine – Exceptional, Experienced Primary Care Physicians – Personal Attention – Unlimited Visits – 24/7 Access with No Waiting

Photos by Heather Merriman

LaRue Merrill, Carol Butera, Kathy Coffey, Laura Gilbert and Charlotte Stringfellow

2014 YMCA First Citizens Debbie and Dan Dannheisser

ANNUAL DONOR APPRECIATION LUNCHEON Benefiting YMCA Foundation of Sarasota Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Michael’s On East

So, if you’re looking for some clarity and personal attention from your health care provider, look no further. Call LernerCohen today.

We are now accepting a limited number of new patients.

The Doctor Is In. Always.

Brad S. Lerner, MD Louis M. Cohen, MD

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1921 Waldemere Street, Suite 814 Sarasota, FL 34239 • LernerCohen.com

941.953.9080 Barbara and Avarie Hannah

SPARCCle

by the Bay to benefit Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center

Sunday, December 8, 2013 at the Sarasota Yacht Club 1100 John Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida 6:00 pm Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres 7:00 pm Dinner and dancing featuring Soul Sensations Black Tie | Open Bar $250 per person

For more information contact Barb Lewis, (941) 365-0208 ext. 124 or blewis@sparcc.net. Register online www.sparcc.net.

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center’s mission is to stop domestic and sexual violence in our communities.

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Ted and Ethna Wishnie

BLacKtroupe

West coast

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theatre

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

Book by Ossie Davis, Phil ip Rose, Peter Udell Music by Peter Udell Lyrics by Gary Geld based on the play “Purlie Victorious” by Ossie Davis “Purlie” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

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NoV 13–Dec 15, 2013

Mollie Nelson and Honorary Host Stanley Kane

PAID FOR IN PART BY SARASOTA COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX REVENUES

Get tIcKets NoW! 941-366-1505 WBttsrQ.orG

Ben Davis, Marissa McGowan and Rob Ruggiero

STARRY NIGHT DINNER CELEBRATING ‘SHOW BOAT’

“Journey into the Heart of Florida”

Benefiting Asolo Repertory Theatre Monday, Nov. 4, at the home of Stanley Kane

with Carlton Ward

Photos by Heather Merriman

 Jane and Dick Olson

 Kim Githler, Brenda Landry and Diana Armbrust

November 21, 2013 5:30 p.m., Sainer Pavilion, New College

Ward is a conservation photographer and eighth-generation Floridian. He will speak about his experience on the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition and show photos and video from the trek. Sponsored by the Fedder Lecture Series as part of the TREE Foundation.

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Tickets $20 • Purchase online at donate.ncf.edu/events or call 487-4888.

Anne Garlington and Susan Brennan

The n a i l a t I ll Gri

Nancy Whiteacre with Ike and Tatiana Cagan

Let’s Celebrate & GIVE THANKS! Join us for a Thanksgiving Feast We’re serving a spectacular turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

Make Your Reservations Today!

We welcome your family to dine at our restaurant... from the family here at The Italian Grill!

Authentic Italian Dishes Brick Oven Pizza Veal Seafood

Full Bar

Y OUR G IFT

Happy Hour

2 for 1

T HEM , O UR G IFT

TO

Y OU

Purchase Gift Cards Now and Get Free Reward Cards!* Buy $100 in Gift Cards and Receive a $20 Reward Card for use in the New Year!

every day 4 to 7

*See reward card for details. Redeemable at over 500 Landry’s, Inc. properties in the US.

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OPEN EVERY DAY AT 4PM | 8620 S. Tamiami Trail | Sarasota, FL | 941.966.6565 1 Mile South of Sarasota Square Mall

WWW.ITALIANGRILLSARASOTA.COM

TO

201 Gulf of Mexico Dr • Longboat Key • 941.383.5593 chart-house.com

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Italian Pastas

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

21

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY VISITING ARTISTS DINNER FEATURING ANU TALI AND LUKAS VONDRACEK

Live Musical performances that Entertain, Engage, and Inspire

OF SARASOTA SARASOTA

Saturday & Sunday November 16 & 17 – 7:30 p.m.

Benefiting Sarasota Orchestra Wednesday, Nov. 6, at The Field Club

In the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling Museum of Art

RASTRELLI CELLO QUARTET

“Crossover” a masterful blend of classics and popular songs Anne and Frank Folsom Smith

SAINT SAENS | TCHAIKOVSKY

Celebrated artists Lukas Vondracek and Anu Tali

BRUBECK | CARMICHAEL JOBIM | PIAZOLLA and more

December 7 – 7:30 p.m.

December 8 – 2:00 & 7:30 p.m.

New York Cabaret Artist

KT SULLIVAN

“Colored Lights” with pianist Jon Weber – Coward, Sondheim, Porter, and more The New Yorker calls KT Sullivan “as vocally, comically, and theatrically assured as any contemporary cabaret performer gets.”

Co-Chairs Marvin Albert, Gerri Aaron and Pamela and David Steves

Photos by Heather Merriman

With additional support from Herald-Tribune Media Group, Iberia Bank, WUSF Public Media, The Observer Group, and Spotlight Graphics TICKETS BY PHONE – DAILY 10A-4P

941-360-7399

urns Ret

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Tickets/details 24/7 at www.artistseriesconcerts.org

Nicole Penland and Jan Kahn

Jenny Ferlicchi and Fred Murrell

FSU/ASOLO CONSERVATORY FOR ACTOR TRAINING PRESENTS PHOTO BY FRANK ATURA

David Ives’ edg y adaptation of Moliere’s comic classic The Misanthro pe

PreSented in PartnerShiP with

SpeCIaL thanKS to PriTChards Pianos

Keyboard Conversations®

With Jeffrey Siegel Monday, nov. 18, 2013: POPULAR PIANO CLASSICS Beloved gems of the piano repertoire by some of the world’s best loved composers - music of Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, tchaikovsky, Gershwin, Rachmaninoff, and others.

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014: BaCh anD the RoMantICS the exhilarating Chromatic Fantasy of Bach followed by works of later composers inspired by him - Mendelssohn, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Mozart.

Tuesday, aPr. 1, 2014: MIStReSSeS anD MaSteRpIeCeS Works of passion, love, and longing inspired by “significant others” in the lives of Brahms, Schumann, Chopin, and Liszt.

all PerForManCes begin aT 8:00 PM.

$36 Single Ticket • $90 Concert Series Pass $118 VIp Series pass (includes reserved seating and reception)

“A delightfully en tertaining evenin g of theatre.”

—Venice Gond olier Evening: $29 • Matinees: $28 • Students: $1450

941-351-8000

or call Jennifer new at 941.552.6304 to purchase tickets.

Observer Longboat. East County. Sarasota. Pelican Press.

ASOLOREP.ORG/CONSERVATORY

FSU Center for the Performing Arts • 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

YourObserver.com

Klingenstein Jewish Center 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232

www.TheJewishFederation.org

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PublicaMedia

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wusf

Please visit www.jfedsrq.org/keyboard.aspx

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Barbara Gardner

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

CollinsInteriorDesign.com

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COLLINS INTERIORS 941.383.0131

Rob Lincoln, Falon Mihalic, Stacy Dillard-Spahn and Donal O’Shea

GRAND OPENING

Photos by Heather Merriman

34TH ANNUAL OLD-FASHIONED CLAMBAKE Benefiting New College Foundation Thursday, Nov. 7, at New College bayfront

At our Bee Ridge Location

Food Drinks Drawings Specials & More FRI. NOV. 15TH • SAT. NOV. 16TH 10am-8pm

A BOUTIQUE C Clothing Home Decor Fashion Accessories Children’s Items Baby Rentals

Co-Chairs Marian Moss and Gloria Moss

Missy Mulloy and Jesse White

941.929.1850 abcbabyrental.com

5352 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach, 34217

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Colonnade Shopping Center 2300 Bee Ridge Rd Ste 204 Sarasota, 34239

Litten Boxser and Richard Kanner

Felice Schulaner with Marty and Rabbi Jonathan Katz

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW www.firstsarasota.org

Friday Saturday* Sunday* Sunday Wednesday Friday Saturday* Saturday Sunday

BUY TICKETS IN PERSON

Monday - Friday 9am-Noon Ticket Office on First Floor (directly across from the Sanctuary) Closed November 27, 28 & 29 (Thanksgiving) Call our Ticket Center at 1-888-684-5272

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* Family Day - Saturday, December 7th - 3pm Complimentary childcare is provided for children (4months to 4 yrs) for this performance only! * Reservations required for childcare Call 941-365-2846 Family Pizza Party & Parade immediately after performance

2013 Performances December 6 7:00PM December 7 3:00PM December 8 3:00PM December 8 6:00PM December 11 7:00PM December 13 7:00PM December 14 3:00PM December 14 6:00PM December 15 6:00PM *Matinee Performances

Shannon Rohrer-Phillips, Ann Charters, Tessa Geier and Tom Charters

DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

YourObserver.com

23 Discover What Makes Sarasota Bay Club So Different!

// BLACK TIE: FASHION

HOTFLASH NORDSTROM RACK PRE-OPENING PARTY

A

n impressive line of eager and anxious women started forming at the doors of Nordstrom Rack Tuesday, Nov. 5. By 4 p.m., the line wrapped around the parking lot.

The store officially opened to the public Thursday, Nov. 7, but Nordstrom Fashion Rewards members got exclusive access to check out the new store and, of course, to shop at the pre-opening party.

Customers were handed complimentary Nordstrom Rack totes upon entering the store and were greeted by cheers and applause from the 70 employees. Waiters made the rounds throughout the store offering champagne with straws and light bites and desserts for the shoppers.

Comments such as “This is dangerous,” “But I want everything,” and “I need another cart” could be heard in conversations throughout the store during the event, which attracted more than 900 customers.

by Heather Merriman

Black Tie Assistant Editor

“We are thrilled with the customer response to our Fashion Rewards pre-shop event,” says Nordstrom Rack representative Kate DeToye.

“We are fortunate to have so many customers already in the area, and we are pleased to bring a store closer to home for them.”

The store will receive shipments between three-to-four times a week, and the designers the store carries will vary from shipment to shipment.

“We are encouraging our customers to download our new app, Rack Alerts,” says Nordstrom Rack representative Nicole Munson. “You can save your store location and receive inventory alerts when we receive shipments — and you can even choose what designers and merchandise you would like to be notified about.”

Follow @Bradenton_Rack on Twitter to get updates about promotions, inventory and special events.

Nordstrom Rack employees enthusiastically greet shoppers as they enter the store for the first time.

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.

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

z

“The residents of Sarasota Bay Club are such a talented, successful, and culturally thirsty group. I absolutely know I made the right choice in moving here. My cup runneth over!”

Barbara Gochman Sarasota Bay Club Resident

z

Full-Service Retirement Living On Sarasota Bay You Are Invited To Our December 12th Luncheon & Tour!

Call Today To Reserve Your Spot: (941) 552-3284 (Space is limited) Join us for lunch and discover the value Sarasota Bay Club has to offer.

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

125843

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

Linda Ware or Dana Moe (941) 552-3284

CirCus sarasota presents

Photos by Heather Merriman

Dottie Fisher, Marilyn Reynolds and Stephanie Burger take on the shoe department at the Nordstrom Rack pre-opening party.

high-flying | exquisite | humorous

Direct from Quebec and for the first time ever, comes this interactive, quirky, avant-garde circus.

FRI NOV 15 –SUN DEC 1, 2013 Westfield Sarasota Square Mall

The Circus Arts Conservatory is a 501(c) 3 non-profit performing arts educational organization

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CIRCUSARTS.ORG • 941.355.9805

28 123656

Words to live by: “Shoe love is true love.”

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

CasAntica

HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

“REAL ITALIAN FOOD FINDS A HOME IN SARASOTA”

CasAntica Restaurant is a refined and exclusive Italian culinary haven, located in the charming historic theater district of Sarasota, Florida.

Owner and operator Pietro Migliaccio incorporates an intimate restaurant within this quaint Mediterranean style home. Pietro was born and raised on the small remote Isle of Ischia, Italy. This beautiful Island is nestled off the volcanic coast of Naples where Mount Vesuvius is royally viewed on the distant horizon. Pietro moved to America when he was 18 years old where he gained extensive restaurant knowledge and experience and has worked in some of New York’s finest restaurants. In 1968 Pietro opened his very first Italian Restaurant with his brother Giorgio. The very successful “Mamma Lucia’s” located in Brooklyn has hosted big names such as Isabella Rossellini, Robert De

Niro, Martin Scorsese and Luciano Pavarotti all who praised the culinary excellence, attention to detail and service on national television.

In 1980 the New York Times named Mamma Lucia “Restaurant of the Year” and later Mimi Sheridan, famous food writer and critic gave Mamma Lucia Four Stars. In 2003 Pietro found the pristine setting of Siesta Key to be very similar in foliage and climate to his native Ischia where he opened his restaurant “Gabbiano’s”.

Pietro has recently ventured away from Siesta Key moving his attention and talents “back home” to a more intimate and exclusive downtown setting. CasAntica translates to “Old House”. As you step into this rustic yet elegant historic home you feel immersed in CasAntica’s charm. Pietro’s desire was to reproduce a familiar atmosphere bringing him back to the beginning of his career, when he learned to cook at home with his mother, Lucia. In fact his family recipes can still be found within all of his previous restaurants. CasAntica features a spacious outside dining area where the gentle bay breeze and scent of salt air adds to the created ambience. This historic

“ I hope that you enjoy every minute of your dining experience with our family.”

home hosts a warm welcoming wine bar as you enter, a cozy dining room with the glow of an antique fire place, exclusive dining rooms where your family occasions can be privately celebrated and converted upstairs rooms for intimate dining are all part of this Italian home cooking experience.

CasAntica truly is the perfect setting…exclusive, romantic and intimate. “I started my career at home and I am ending my career at home.” Says Pietro. “This beautiful small historic house provides me the opportunity to meet and engage all of our patrons each evening. My goals are to provide a personalized, exceptional quality dining experience to everyone that enters my home and more importantly to have fun again doing what I love most…serving people. I hope that you enjoy every minute of your dining experience with our family.

The most perfect place to end your day…Home”

Peter & Susan Migliaccio invite you to experience the warmth, comfort & world-class food at their NEW, downtown Italian Restaurant. Valet or private Parking offered

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Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday 4:00pm-11:00pm Closed Sunday’s | 1213 N. Palm Ave. | Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941 - 366 - 1840 www.casanticarestaurant.com | casanticarestaurant@aol.com