ENDLESS SUMMER
This is so far a strange November. We’ve changed the clocks and it gets dark early, but the sun is still hot during the day and the mercury scrapes 90. Overnight it doesn’t get really cool (still low 70’s) and the days are sticky humid. Usually by now, the local paper has had at least one article touting the arrival of “sweater weather.” Coming from up north, I like the ring of that, but no one is wearing sweaters here yet—and we continue to go to the pool in the late afternoon.
Ah, it’s lovely, but will summer ever end? I’m pining for fall or at least Florida’s version of it. But this morning, my wish was granted—60 degrees and no humidity. Finally!
OUT AND ABOUT
Last Sunday, we went to a concert series new to us. It brings to Sarasota rising young classical performers. This particular concert featured an outstanding 20-year-old cellist and a very accomplished pianist.
The cellist, Zlatomir Fung, was the first American in decades to win first place in the Tchaikovsky International Competition. Pianist Angie Zhang studied at Juilliard and now teaches there in addition to performing around the country. Together they played several of Beethoven’s sonatas for cello and piano in the second of two concerts. It was superb, and we felt fortunate to have such a variety of music in this area.
DINING—POSH AND CASUAL
Shore on Longboat Key is the sister restaurant to Shore at St. Armand’s Circle. It’s in a new fancy building with a variety of dining spaces inside and out. In either case, you are likely to have a view of Sarasota Bay given the great expanses of glass. It’s a high concept place, swish in décor, with some sophisticated, very good food. We went early, shortly after they opened, and the demographic was largely retired folks. By the time we left, the crowd was livelier and younger. You can arrive by land or by water.
The Chief Penguin and I shared the generous calamari appetizer which was more of a salad with cabbage, peanuts, and spices and very tasty! I ordered the sea bass entree which was exquisitely beautiful and delectable. Prices are somewhat higher than other area venues.
Swordfish Grill, on the other hand, is down home casual. Located on the water in Cortez, it frequently has live bands. Seating is on the outside deck or inside at a mix of booths and tables. We hadn’t been here in awhile and were pleased to re-discover that the food is very good. Among our group of five, we sampled and enjoyed the crab cake, scallops, pompano, and the swordfish bites. Despite the name, swordfish is not on the regular menu! The accompanying cole slaw was fresh and the French fries crisp and not soggy. Wines by the glass and several kinds of beer are also available. This is a good place for a group, but can be noisy if you’re planning on serious conversation.
RECENT READING
Ecstasy by Mary Sharratt
This new historical novel focuses on musician and composer Alma Mahler and the many loves in her life, but especially on her relationship with her husband, eminent composer Gustav Mahler. She had affairs of the heart both before him and after, but Gustav captivated her. When she married, she agreed to give up music to dedicate herself to his career. Despite their mutual love, the loss of her own music was crushing. In an era when women were expected to be subservient wives and mothers, Alma was greatly conflicted as she tried to meet Gustav and society’s requirements. A compelling portrait of an ebullient, anguished and extremely passionate woman. (~JWFarrington)
Note: Text ©JWFarrington.
