Writes of Passage

401 N Tamiami Trail
Osprey, FL 34229

This is the other botanical garden, which is less curated and more nature. The staff is super nice and informative. … and sold us their $100 membership that last 16 months, which is pretty good deal.

The butterfly house – ahead of our Madama Butterfly – they get their butterflies from a farm

The manatee and the jumping fish – think they’re getting some bugs?

As we were leaving, we saw two bikers.

“Bicycle is allowed here?” I asked.

The same staff said, “no … and they didn’t even pay.” Then chased after the pair. lol

The red shrimp plant is equally pretty as the golden shrimp.

Historic Spanish Point @ 401 North Tamiami Trail is within the Garden. It’s established in 1984, exhibiting the Late Archaic period which is 5,000 years ago.

A little white church

135 Bayview Dr.
Osprey, FL 34229

Bar food, slow service. Better p

Location is good, on the water. Can be reached by boat too.

Ambiance is beach

Service is decent. Kitchen is backed up.

Food is so so – better place for a drink. Too many shrimps in my order.

1445 2nd Street
Sarasota, FL 34236

An average wine and beer bar, with indoor and outdoor seatings.

Location is good, near the opera house and Central Avenue.

Ambiance is pleasant and simply.

Service is ok. We ordered the charcuterie (the plate looks so jammed …), the staff brought it over without any utensils. When I asked, she said, “do you need fork fork or cheese fork?”
“Cheese forks are fine,” I said.
She brought only 1.
Good thing I’ve washed my hands.

When I complement Sean Minor Cab Sauv, she said it’s on sale – gosh, each state’s law is so different from the others.

1534 Mound St.
Sarasota, FL 34236

Valet parking during the construction.

Freshly after visiting their historical site @ Spanish Point, I expected the same … however, I found staff here are rude: the young woman at ticketing booth never relaxes her face – ms, are you mad at something or someone?

Another staff, a guard at Tiffany exhibit, barked as I’m examining a glass panel on the wall.

“Don’t get too close,” she yelled.
Startled at her harsh tone; then I said, “Maybe you should draw a line.”
“That’s why I’m here for.” She said.
Hmmmm… is she comparing herself, a human with a function of a line drawn on the floor?

The Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature which is housed in Payne mansion, that started last week, through June 25 – glasses and lamps exhibits. No photograph is allowed, is really a minor affaire: two small rooms plus a narrow hall way. I’m surprised to see a guard there at all.

Why do I feel some hint of racism, which makes me feeling small.

The small city of Sarasota has two botanical gardens, this one is more of curated and devoted to epiphytes 附生植物 – Google explains “a plant that grows on another plant but is not parasitic, such as the numerous ferns, bromeliads, air plants, and orchids growing on tree trunks in tropical rainforests.”

There are a quite few huge tress and A small banzai corner. A sizable cafe.

The bamboo clusters.

1010 N Wc Maciness Pl
Tampa, FL 33602

Straz Center for the Performing Arts is one of the homes of the TFO the Florida Orchestra, (one is Manhaffey Theater).

1810 North Highland Ave
Tampa, FL 33602 @ Armature Works

… more pix on Google Maps & Yelp; Oak & Ola

A Michelin guide restaurant

Definitely will return. Love their handsome knives.

Location: excellent.

Decoration: simple industrial; Picasso-ish wall painting and sculptures.

Service: attentive

Food: fresh and delicious – we’ve
Food: fresh and delicious – we’ve four appetizers
– water works iceberg wedge salad
– native gator chili
– barbacoa grilled shrimps
– okra fries

Two wines: Ancient Peaks Zinfandel and Rusty’s red, both are decent.

The restaurant is well ran and the serving staff is well trained, cohesive and efficient.

We went a little early and half way through our meal, a second Yang man came, introducing himself bec the previous one has done his shift. He chatted with us briefly, asking if we’re going somewhere afterward. We said yes to Straz.
A concert ? He asked
Yes Rachmaninoff, we replied.
He looks blank.
I padded his arm, it’s classical – we’re old. Ha ha ha.

(this review was done on Feb 17, 2023 – forgot to post …)

Gimmicky and dangerous.

Light classical music mixed with pop, no sour notes.

Lateness: their program is only an hour long but they’re 12 minutes late. No explanation. Is this normal for them? If so, what are they thinking???

They performed at Centro Asturiano de Tampa, which is a decent venue, with two levels. It’s general seating within the level. We’re on the top floor. Upon arrival, we were told that we can sit anywhere except the seats with candles, which are the front row, to prevent knocking down the freestanding candles. There isn’t light (or not enough light) – perhaps they think the candles provide enough light – I’ve to turn on my phone flashlight to see the steps. It makes me feel unsafe. Soon enough a young woman trapped as she was coming down to her seat, and broke her high heels. Half way thought the program, a couple sat by the front row was asked to leave. As the man got up, he knocked over a candle that almost fell to the floor below – could one image if that happened? Thanks heaven he was quick to catch it, otherwise someone below could get really hurt.

WHAT are they thinking???

How many people do they need to turn on the candles? A male staff said, it’s about 7-9 people, 2-3 hours. Wish they’ve better way to do this.

FeverUp is the promoter and gives feeling of inexperienced. After purchasing the ticket, several staff sent emails asking for feedbacks. To use their e-ticket, we’ve to download their app, which is absurd at this age and time. So you know, it’s a turn off, making me not wanting to visit you again bec you’re wasting my time.

… the Italian restaurant Bernini is great tho

1913 N Nebraska Ave
Tampa, FL

A decent venue for music and party, near Ybor City, with a small parking lot.

We took in the candlelight concert on Valentine’s Day.  It has a bar on the upper floor, with a huge party room.

1702 E 7th Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605

We

13013 US Hwy 301, Ste C
Riverview, FL 33578

Will return.

This is the second First Watch we’ve breakfast. Same rustic decor and good same service. Food all look good, except my smoked salmon is bit saggy.