Insider
1 Smooth Sailing
2
Batter Up
The hottest flavor on Anna Maria Island is Brownie Batter Mix (brownie batter folded into chocolate ice cream) at Joe’s Eats & Sweets. Ice cream artisan Joe Spallino delights in inventing new epicurean treats, and the wondrous array of 50-plus flavors is ever-changing. Joe’s Funfetti Cake Batter ice cream is akin to birthday cake in a cone, and Cotton Candy with Nerds (candy) is as much fun as a visit to Coney Island or Sarasota’s county fair. Cones from $3.19 at Joe’s Eats & Sweets, 219 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach (941) 778-0007.
3
Learn to Fly
Children of all ages (five to 75-plus) are soaring, back-flipping and making “catches” at Tito Gaona’s Trapeze Park and Academy on the grounds of the old Ringling Brothers Circus winter headquarters in Venice. Gaona, said to be the
greatest high-flying trapeze artist of our time, performed in various circuses, including Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Two-hour classes (kids, $30; adults, $40) help build self-confidence, character and fitness while preserving the circus arts in Venice. It’s safe, high-flying fun, with an adrenaline rush that’s addicting. The Flying Trapeze Academy, 1401 S. Ringling Drive, Venice, (941) 412-9305.
4 Stellar Cellar
5 Face Value
6
Golf Whisperer
Jack Peffley says the LoudMouth Golf clothes at Taffy’s speak volumes without speaking a word. “In this age of foreclosures and bankruptcies, people want to have fun; they walk in and say they’ve got to have these prints—the more outrageous the better,” Peffley says. Customers of all ages are buying crazy-colorful plaids, harlequins, patchwork and stripes to spook opponents on the golf course, for father-and-son tournaments and for team uniforms. “They’re even wearing LoudMouth to cocktail parties and weddings,” he says. Taffy’s wants the fair set to get their games on, too, carrying women’s skorts, with ladies’ tops and shorts expected by January. Taffy’s Men’s Apparel, 14 S. Boulevard of Presidents, Sarasota (941) 388-1155.
7
Meet the Beer Meister
Mark Tuchman is to beer what a sommelier is to wine, and his new craft beer bar in Gulf Gate (appropriately dubbed Mr. Beery’s) is the go-to destination for beer lovers from the barely educated to the passionately savvy. With 25 beers on tap and another 25 in bottles, the selection continually rotates. “I’m a craft beer nerd and forever researching the newest and most complex ale or lager,” Tuchman explains. “I’ve had over 8,000 different beers, but always go back to staples like Southampton Double White Ale.” Check for tastings, classes and events at Beerysgulfgate on Facebook. Mr. Beery’s, 2645 Mall Drive, Sarasota (941) 343-2854.
Coconut Cloud Martini
1 part Tommy Bahama White Sand Rum
1 ½ parts vanilla vodka
1 ½ parts coconut rum
½ part cream of coconut
Place all ingredients in a chilled cocktail shaker. Add a few scoops of crushed ice. Shake until mixture is thoroughly blended and well chilled. Strain into martini glass and top with a fine sprinkling of toasted coconut.
8
Stand-Up Guy
Paddle boarding is perfect for our crystal-clear waters. Insiders are opting for the custom designs of world-renowned local shaper Juan Rodriguez of One World Surf Designs. Rodriguez’s boards have displacement hulls for stability at four miles per hour, the speed he recommends for a dynamic low-impact workout. “You have to stay steady on the board because the water is always changing,” he says. Stand-up paddle board packages are $1,200 for new 2011 models; ask for referrals for rentals, classes and eco paddle board tours. One World Surf Designs, 6245 Clark Center Ave., Suite H, Sarasota (941) 925-0007.
9 A Taste of Tommy
10 Tiki-Tastic Massage
11 Sunshine Spa
12 Living with Lilly
13 Chillin’ at the Chickee
14 Itsy Bitsy Scientists
15 Southern Comfort
16
Natural Beauties
Manatee’s newly restored Robinson Preserve offers more than 40 acres of diverse marshland, plus uplands with nature trails for walking and biking, kayaking/canoeing streams, a boardwalk for birdwatching, and bridges and piers for fishing. Wildlife viewing areas, including an observation tower, offer sightings of eagles, bobcats, gray foxes and river otters. Lots of eco-events here: sunrise paddles, Audubon bird tours, master gardener tours and naturalist-led tours aboard a real Conestoga wagon. The restored Valentine House, bright blue with a shiny tin roof, serves as a new visitor center. Visitor Center open Friday-Sunday, preserve hours, 8 a.m.-sunset. ymanatee.org/conservation.html (941) 745-3723.—Janis Frawley
17
Soul Train
Bob Horne has poured his heart and soul into rescuing and restoring the sadly neglected JomaR, John and Mable Ringling’s once glorious private railroad car (c. 1917). To help raise funds for this massive labor of love, Horne created Bob’s Train, a fun Big Top-themed restaurant occupying three restored circus train cars open Monday through Friday for lunch, and Sunday for brunch. Now he’s introduced Jazz at the JomaR, six-course, three-hour dinners with live jazz ($40 per person) held every Thursday evening. Check out Bob’s collection of historic Sarasota circus photos lining every inch of one of the cars, and ask for a peek at the JomaR. Bob’s Train, 2211 Fruitville Road, Sarasota (941) 321-5643.
18
Treasure Hunt?
The Gulf Coast arts scene is teeming with music, theater, dance, galleries, museums and artist’s studios to enjoy and explore. But with so much available, how do you choose what to see? Find the answer in our just-released 2010 Annual Southwest Florida Guide to the Arts, the definitive guide of all things art from Manatee to Marco Island. And if you subscribe to Sarasota Magazine, you’ll also get the Along the Gulfshore 2-for-1 Arts Ticket Book to help you enjoy it all. To order the guide ($3.95 plus shipping) or subscribe to the magazine, go to sarasotamagazine.com.
19
Design Sensation
When they became one of the first U.S. retailers to sign up for the new line of furniture by British design sensation Kelly Hoppen, Pam and Marcus Anast of Sarasota Collection earned a promise of a store appearance this winter by the collection’s world-renowned creator. “I’ve been a Kelly Hoppen fan for years; her trademark is a slightly lived-in look with contemporary edginess,” says Pam. Look for Hoppen’s signature taupe, neutral leathers, wood and high-gloss lacquer finishes and a practical but sophisticated selection of tables masquerading as trunks. Sarasota Collection Home Store, 622 Central Ave., Sarasota (941) 955-8313.
20 U Go Girl
Eco-fashion maven Olivia Bono has created a brand-new temple to luxury green design at Whole Foods
Market Centre, with a roster of socially responsible designers including the hot, hot, hot Edun brand, at left. Founded by U2 singer Bono and his wife, Ali Hewson, whose new partners are the fashion powerhouse LVMH (owners of brands like Louis Vuitton), the Edun collection features great-looking textiles and fibers that promote industry in Africa and have won a following of celebrities. Juno & Jove, 1425 First St., Whole Foods Market Centre, Sarasota (941) 957-0000.
21
A Fine Romance
Husband-and-wife team Mark and Susie Holt have a new home and a new name (Posh on Palm) for their romantic shabby chic concept store, formerly known as The Cat’s Meow. Their cozy slip-covered chairs, sofas and whitewashed vintage furniture look better than ever now that they’ve moved to “Posh” Palm Avenue in Sarasota—where they’ve just added vintage-style gauze clothing and sensuously retro Bella Notte nightgowns and robes ($50 to $200). Susie’s new passion (handmade rose brooches, $38.95, crafted from ribbon, lace, tiny keys and more) and Mark’s bodacious 1920s-inspired rhinestone jewelry are the talk of the blogosphere as well as our town. Posh on Palm, 33 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota (941) 954-7674.