LIVE MUSIC
Last week for the first time in two years, we attended a symphony concert. It was such a joy to hear the music in person and not be glued to a small screen! This was the Sarasota Orchestra’s Be Mine concert, part of their Great Escapes series. Guest conductor Sarah Hicks was a lively and informative presence on the podium, and in honor of Valentine’s Day, the musical theme was love. We heard Gershwin’s Overture from Girl Crazy, two selections from Carmen, and Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, along with several other works. This was a short concert, just an hour, and perfect for the pre-dinner hour.
ENGAGING DRAMA
The Gilded Age (HBO Max)
The reviews of Julian Fellowes’ latest series have been mixed. But, I like historical drama and am especially fond of the 19th century so, I decided to subscribe to HBO Max to see The Gilded Age. It’s set in New York City in the 1880’s and is rife with snobbery, social climbing, and meanness, coupled with large fortunes. Newcomers, albeit wealthy ones, are not well received unless blessed by the formidable Mrs. Astor.
Young Marian Brook comes from Pennsylvania to live with her aunts, Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook, after the death of her father. She has no resources of her own, and in her directness and naivete, questions and challenges the ways of society. One fascinating aspect of this series is its inclusion of educated affluent Blacks. They are exemplified in Peggy Scott and her parents. Peggy befriends Marian and is hired as secretary to Aunt Agnes.
Overall, it’s a darker drama than Downton Abbey. Denee Benton as Peggy is very well played, and it is fun to watch Christine Baranski as the acerbic, dictatorial Aunt Agnes. There are four episodes, and it’s already been renewed for a second season. I’m hooked!
LOCAL EATERY
Pesto
I’m slightly reluctant to blog about Pesto since this neighborhood restaurant has become very popular! We dined there twice in the past two weeks, once with visiting family, and it’s now a favorite. There are three dining areas (the one in the back has a bar) plus tables and heaters outside. The food is Italian, and there’s a wide variety of pasta and meat selections.
We enjoyed the veal and chicken Milanese preparations and their veal scaloppini and have sampled the shrimp-cargot and several of the salads. The wine list is extensive, and several beers are also available. Prices are moderate, portions are substantial, and the food is good!
Note: Header photos of foursome dining out from istock.com.
