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SRQ DAILY Feb 3, 2017

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"It's a real honor and a pleasure to have such extraordinary pieces come to The Ringling."

- Virginia Brilliant, Ringling Museum
 

[Gallery]  Getting a Sense of the Middle Ages
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

The world of the Middle Ages goes on display in Sarasota like never before with the opening of the Ringling Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, A Feast for the Senses: Art and Experience in Medieval Europe. Created in collaboration with The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, the exhibit brings more than 100 objects and artifacts from 25 institutions from around the world—many in Sarasota for the first time—for a multisensory exploration of the sights, sounds, smells and textures populating Medieval cathedrals, courts, gardens and feasts. “It’s a real honor and a pleasure to have such extraordinary pieces come to The Ringling,” says Ringling Curator of Collections Virginia Brilliant. “This exhibition really is a rare opportunity.” Currently installed in the Searing Galleries, A Feast for the Senses opens tomorrow and will be on display through April 30.

Atmosphere is the name of the game with this mammoth exhibition, seeing the Searing Galleries partitioned and transformed into a labyrinthine but ordered expedition through aspects of daily life in the late Middle Ages. From the opening room, the ambiance runs thick, with hidden speakers piping birdsong and garden sounds into a dimly lit space dominated by a 15th century French tapestry on the wall and a plain wooden well installed in the center of the floor. On loan from the Museum of Fine Art, Boston, the tapestry shows the mythical Narcissus lost in his own reflection, and visitors are encouraged to find their own visage in the well provided.

The exhibition unfolds into an expansive 10 additional rooms, each themed and exploring a different aspect of the rich sensory world of the Middle Ages. In one chamber, an assortment of artifacts from a great feast; in another, personal grooming tools or pomanders—personal perfume containers worn at the waist for easy reference in malodorous conditions. The grandest space evokes the vaulted Gothic cathedrals of the age with high ceilings, stained window reliefs and a towering crucifix at one end, the expanse in between populated with gilded religious relics. And A Feast for the Senses seeks to engage the senses beyond sight and sound, with stations set up throughout the exhibition where visitors can smell the myrrh from a rosary or even play a game of chess in the chamber of courtly love.

For all of its expanse, A Feast for the Senses is an exhibition that benefits from careful and repeat viewing. Each of the ornate tapestries contains its own story and, for the observant, many of the items on display in the show can be found depicted within them. Careful inspection is also rewarded in the numerous and sometimes downright bawdy jokes contained or hidden within an artifact’s intricate construction or tapestry’s broad scope. It’s an intriguing blend of highbrow and lowbrow that not only entertains but humanizes, reminding the viewer that not so much has changed. “It makes the Middle Ages a little more relatable,” Brilliant laughs. “We laugh at the same dumb stuff.”

A Feast for the Senses: Art and Experience in Medieval Europe opens tomorrow and runs through April 30. 

Image courtesy of The Ringling Museum.

[Good Bite]  Sweet Nostalgia
Kendall Sompolski

Fruity Pebbles aren’t just for kidsand neither are ice cream trucks according to À La Mode Macaron, Sarasota’s sweetest food truck. Forget tacos, BBQ and pizza; this food truck is all about catering to your sweet tooth. It’s the first macaron ice cream cart of its kind, serving small-batch ice cream paired with delicate almond and meringue cookies. Tap into your inner child while indulging in a super sophisticated adult treat on a Sunday afternoon—the French macaron gets stuffed with chilly Fruity Pebbles-flavored sweet cream and then rolled in even more crackly bits of the rainbow-colored cereal. Check out À La Mode Macaron’s Instagram and Facebook pages for weekly specials and information as to when and where these surprise pop-ups in Sarasota take place.  

A La Mode Macaron, 1821 Hillview Dr., Sarasota, 941-539-9119.

[Recipe]  High Tea
SRQ Staff

In February/March the Sarasota-based catering company Simply Gourmet features a traditional Royal English Tea Service on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons (February 7/8, 14/15 and March 7/8, 21/22, 28/29) at the Powel Crosley Estate. Try Chef Larry Barrett's basil and goat cheese mousse, a light bite he pairs with a cold glass of white wine or a hot cup of full-bodied tea, alongside crunchy crostini. "Basil has to be one of the great gifts to man," says Barrett. "Tomato and basil—it’s like Bogart and Bacall, a classic pairing."

Ingredients: Pesto; 12 oz. mild fresh goat cheese log; 6 oz. cream cheese; 2 Tbsp. heavy cream; salt; black pepper; baguette; 1 large clove garlic; olive oil.

Pesto ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves; ½ cup Parmesan cheese; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; ½ cup walnuts; 6 cloves garlic; 1 Tsp. oregano; salt/pepper to taste.

Pesto: Put all ingredients (except the olive oil) into food processor. Pulse several times to break down. Add half the olive oil and pulse again. Scrape down sides of bowl and pulse again adding the rest of the olive oil. The mixture should not look oily. If it looks dry, add a little more olive oil; if it looks oily add a little more Parmesan and a walnut or two.

Mousse: Place goat cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream, black pepper and pesto in the bowl of a stand-up mixer. Mix on low until creamy. If still too stiff, add a drop more cream. Feel free to add more pesto if desired. Place goat cheese mousse into a soufflé dish and dust with a little coarsely grated black pepper.

Crostini: Cut baguette into ¼ inch slices. Lay out on baking sheet, drizzle each piece with a little olive oil and rub with the garlic clove. Bake at 325 degrees for seven minutes, then turn the baking sheet around for even cooking. Cook for another seven minutes or until crispy and browned.

To serve, place soufflé dish with mousse in the center of a plate and scatter the crostini around. Use a small spoon or knife for spreading. 

Simply Gourmet Caterers

[Government]  City of Sarasota Releases Strategic Plan

The City of Sarasota has released its three-year Strategic Plan, which will help guide the upcoming budget process. Approved by the City Commission in November 2016, the 2017–2020 Strategic Plan includes major priorities and goals as well as renewed statements regarding the City’s vision, mission and values. City employees participated in the development of the vision, mission and value statements. The plan addresses the following priorities established by the City Commission: environmental preservation and sustainability, residents and neighborhoods, arts and culture, growth and development, parks and recreation, health and safety, operations and administration. The Strategic Plan covers three fiscal years: 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20. Planning will begin soon for the 2017/18 budget. 

City of Sarasota

[Synergy]  Risdon Group Taps Studio BCC for Marketing Efforts

Risdon Group, the award-winning developers of Risdon on 5th residences, have retained Studio BCC, a Sarasota-based branding and marketing firm, to drive its marketing efforts forward. Risdon on 5th is an upscale, contemporary designed mixed-use condominium in the heart of the Rosemary District. Risdon on 5th’s sales are already at 75 percent, with occupancy this summer. Studio BCC is led by Creative Director Brian Carlock. After 20 years of agency experience in Manhattan, he opened the agency in the Rosemary District, focusing on branding, marketing, advertising and web services, creating solutions designed for business results. 

Studio BCC

[Hires]  Rose Joins BHGRE - Atchley Properties

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate – Atchley Properties, a locally owned real estate firm specializing in residential, luxury and commercial properties, announced that Angela Rose is appointed as the executive vice president of sales and business development. This major addition to the leadership team accompanies the brokerage’s new affiliation with the Better Homes & Gardens International Franchise Network. For more than three decades, Rose has earned a national reputation as a consummate real estate professional who engages creativity, collaboration, leadership and passion to achieve optimal results for both her clients and her brokerage. Beginning her career as a real estate associate in 1986, Rose quickly garnered recognition as a top-selling, multi-million dollar producer, consistently closing 60+ transactions per year. Rose is known throughout the industry as an innovative trainer, facilitator and leader, and is a highly sought-after keynote speaker who motivates, inspires and educates regional and national audiences. She is a licensed Florida Realtor, a recent graduate of Harvard University’s Master Negotiation Institute and has earned her Master Training Certificate from the ATD’s Master Training Program. 

Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - Atchley Properties



[TODAY]  SEMINAR: Encore! Create Your Next Chapter with Joy & Purpose , February 3, 9:30am–3:30m

This daylong conference features powerful speakers who will shatter the myth of mid-life crisis, featuring interactive sessions conducted by life coaches and educators, testimonials by people who have successful transition stories to share and roundtable discussions. The fee is $99 and includes lunch.

State College of Florida, 7131 Professional Pkwy., Lakewood Ranch

[TODAY]  FESTIVAL: Steak and Burger Celebrating Our Youth , February 3, 6:00pm

Cowboy-up and join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County in celebrating our youth at the Steak and Burger Dinner at the Lee Wetherington Club.  Dawn your best western casual look, enjoy mouth watering food and an evening to remember. Table Sponsors start at $1,000 and individual tickets are on sale for $125.

Lee Wetherington Club, 3130 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237

[SOON]  SPORTS: Bradenton Area River Regatta , February 4, 8:00am-10pm

The Bradenton Area River Regatta has it all, including speed, stars, and showmanship, in a free family spectacle that will have you holding your breath through every heart pounding moment. As Manatee County’s largest spectator event, the action is riveting and the thrills nonstop as world-class performers on and off the river showcase their awe-gasping athleticism and see-it-to-believe-it championship skills.

Riverwalk Regatta, Green Bridge, Bradenton, FL 34205

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Top Dog , February 4, 6:30-9:00pm

Join local dog lovers and their companions at The Francis for Top Dog: Carnevale Do Cani, a dog show like no other. Enter your pup in this playful competition and if you want to strut your stuff too, come dressed for to the theme and be part of the show. All Top Dog ticket purchases help support Donte’s Den and their mission to offer long term and permanent dare for dogs whose owners are unable to care for them due to illness, injury, abandonment or military deployment.

The Francis, 1289 N Palm Ave, Downtown SRQ

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Giacomo Gates , February 4, 8pm

The ever-cool Giacomo Gates is a bigger-than-life, old school, hip jazz singer that doesn't just swing, but finds a way to use his voice with the presence of an instrumental giant on the trumpet or tenor! Gates sings vocalese that packs a wallop with a powerhouse trio backing him up. Whether its up-tempo bop, ballads or blues, Gates' intimate style, served with sheer joy, exuberance, wit and unlimited creativity, gives you the feeling he is in your living room singing just to you. Tickets start at $25. 

Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota Florida

[SOON]  SPORTS: Sarasota Music Half Marathon , February 5, 6:30 am

Clear your schedule and start training for the Sarasota Music Half Marathon on Sunday, February 5, 2017! Whether you want to run like a Kenyan or take a leisurely stroll with your friends and enjoy the live music, this is the event for YOU! 20 bands, neighborhood cheer zones, lawn parties, cool bling and our own signature Rockin' Beer Mile are all coming to Sarasota to bring you home! You’ve never seen an event like the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. Big crowds, great bands, painted portlets and Girl Scout Cookies! A race even Mick Jagger would love.

Van Wezel , 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: Older Than Dirt , February 8 – June 11

A musical comedy providing a witty and heartfelt 360 degree view of aging. Featuring songs by Shel Silverstein, Adam Sandler, and Neil Young, this play takes the audience on a journey through the pitfalls and perks of aging, and is a part of the Sarasota Festival of New Plays.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave.

[SOON]  DANCE: Dance Makers - 11th Annual Concert , February 9 – February 12, Thurs-Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2pm

Featuring imaginative dance pieces by nationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers—Michael Foley, Doug Gillespie, and Adele Myers. These works are selected by the artistic director to present the strength, power, charm, and diversity of the company and choreographers at Sarasota Contemporary Dance. 

Jane B. Cook Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota, 34243

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 29th Annual Festival of the Arts , February 11 – February 12, 10am–5pm

Residents and visitors are invited to stroll amidst life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics and more from the 250 artists who are on-site to discuss their inspirations and processes for each hand-made work. Parking is free and pets on leashes are always welcomed. Free and open to the public.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Vote for the 9th Annual Best of SRQ Local , February 13, Online ballots can be completed up to midnight of February 13, 2017

Voting has opened for the 2017 "Best of SRQ Local" Readers' Competition. Every year our astute readers vote for local eats, shopping, arts, luminaries and hotspots culminating in the buzzworthy "Best of SRQ Local" competition published in the April 2017 edition of SRQ magazine. We invite you to share your personal local experiences—from stellar sushi to the most memorable on-stage productions. Go to SRQMAG.COM/BOSRQ to complete your ballot.

Vote Online at SRQMAG.COM/BESTOFSRQ, 331 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SWAC Speaker Series , February 15

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next installment of their 2016–2017 lecture series, featuring Dr. Robert Gallucci, Director of the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress and former Assistant Secretary of State. Dr. Gallucci explores the evolution of the US approach in dealing with nuclear weapons and their re-emergence as critical to Russian defense policy, Chinese force modernization and regional importance in the middle east. He will also address the threat posed by the prospect of a terrorist nuclear attack. Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members wine and cheese reception on Sarasota Bay where attendees speak face–to–face to those working directly in the field of international affairs.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Cynthia Sayer’s Hot Banjo Show , February 18, 8pm

Get ready for a fun, entertaining show celebrating America's jazz banjo stars and stories from award-winning banjo star Cynthia Sayer and her band. Packed with swinging music that ranges from Great American Songbook and old favorites to novelty tunes, vaudeville, and virtuoso classics, Cynthia is sure to give you a memorable, toe-tapping experience of the 4-string banjo, America’s joyful jazz instrument. Tickets start at $25. 

Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota Florida

[SOON]  DANCE: Stir It Up: 60+ Speed Dating with a Twist! , February 22, 7:00-9:00pm

Join Aviva: A Campus for Senior Life and The Friendship Centers for Stir It Up, an exciting event series featuring craft beer sampling, speed dating and a rock ‘n’ roll and Motown dance party. Whether you are a senior seeking a companion or a soulmate, this special event is your chance to meet a variety of like–minded singles one-on-one, in a safe and energetic environment. This signature event sells out quickly; RSVP today.

The Aviva Campus , 1951 N. Honore Ave. 34235 Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Velvet Caravan , February 24, 8pm

Velvet Caravan is an unorthodox, high-energy, acoustic-based quintet of guitar, violin, stand-up bass, percussion and keyboards (including accordion) that weaves together Latin and gypsy music into acoustic swing jazz. This envelope-pushing group is just as successful at dazzling jaded cocktail drinkers as they are at commanding the rapt attention of serious music aficionados in whisper-quiet recital environments. Gypsy-Tonk-Latin-Swing Band, Southern-Gypsy-Tonk-Latin-Swing Band, or simply “European Redneck Music with a Classical Influence,” as the band declares, you’re bound to enjoy the show! Tickets start at $27.50 

The Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota 34238

[SOON]  GALA: createSRQ Gala, An Evening of Excellence Evolved , February 24

The culmination of the high school arts competition and show, the createSRQ Gala is the signature fundraising event for the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. The recent evolution includes a traveling art show and mobile auction of student artworks. Overlooking Sarasota Bay, the evening consists of dinner, dancing and a short live auction that pairs the student artwork with experiences such as tickets to the Broadway Show Hamilton and a trip to Napa Valley. The attire is cocktail and, due to the mobile bidding, smart phones are an encouraged accessory. Tickets can be purchased online at $250 per person.

Michael's On the Bay at Selby Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave., Sarasota

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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