CHINA VILLAGE 3/25/2025

CHINA VILLAGE – 7254 55th Ave E. Bradenton, FL — 941-756-4859 – Open daily from 11 to 9 or 1o.  Closed on Monday, In the Twelve Oaks Shopping Center.  We ordered & picked up. They were very busy with take out & have everything on the menu.

Q-Tips say:  Decent & reasonably priced food plus pleasant service.  Take out/ or eat in. China Village has good food and the best Won ton Soup and Pork Fried rice!

The former owner was a bit of a “drama queen”  but the food is good. She has retired and the new owners/workers are pleasant and happy. They remodeled the restaurant and it looks great.

After Dr. Appt. near by, we pick up our dinner & enjoy at home.

Usual drinks: Cosmo & Perfect Manhattan

Appetizer: Crab Rangoon. Wonton Soup & Pork Fried Rice & Mongolian Beef – with spicey sauce on the side.

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Capt. Brian’s Seafood

8421 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota, (941) 351-4492, www.captianbriansseafood.com

Photo of Captain Brian's Seafood Market & Restaurant - Sarasota, FL, United States

3/24/25 – Q-tips say: Great raw oysters, decent food, service & drinks.

We began our dinner by sharing: Blue Point Oysters. They were good.

Usual drinks – Old Fashion & Perfect Manhattan & the other half had wine w/dinner.

Q’s had: Lobster special w/ Cole slaw & fries. They were delicious.

Photo of Captain Brian's Seafood Market & Restaurant - Sarasota, FL, United States. Yummm! Fresh oysters
raw oysters
National Seafood Bisque Day at Captain Brians Seafood Market & Restaurant!, Captain  Brian's Seafood Market & Restaurant, Sarasota, 19 October 2021
Lobster Dinner
Captain Brian's Seafood Market & Restaurant | 8421 N Tamiami Trail,  Sarasota, FL 34243, USA
Indoor/outdoor dining
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John and Mable RINGLING Museum – Sarasota FL 3/24/25

RINGLING MUSEUM – 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243, (941) 359-5700
ringling.org Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 10 am – 5 pm, Thu 10 am – 8 pm
Closed only for Christmas and New Years Day.

Q-TIPS say: GO & ENJOY! Went for a walk around the grounds on a beautiful weather day.  

. The Museum of Art is FREE on Monday. An outstanding collection of art along with the many pillars John acquired during his lifetime. John put it in his will that the Art Museum always be free admission for public viewing on Mondays. The Art Museum is a site for the eyes.  You will need tickets to see all the other exhibits that day. The Circus Museum, Ca’D’zan (their home), and several restaurants are all Great for Children. They have Trams you can take should you need assistance to get around. The Bayfront Gardens are awesome as is the Rose Garden. The Rose Garden is one of the oldest rose gardens in Florida, founded by Mable in 1913. It is laid out in a wagon wheel design. The Gardens are FREE and open to the public from (9:30 to 6PM daily. Tours are available though out the day. Inquire at the Admissions Desk in the Visitor Pavilion for details.

The Ringlings are buried in a private enclosure behind the Secret Garden, where Mable once grew specimen plants, known as “onesies and twosies” given to her as gifts by family and friends.

Mrs. Q says: An awesome, beautiful Museum. You can spend an entire day here and Parking is FREE. Don’t forget to check out the “Special Exhibits.”  

Mrs. Q says:  Been here before but they have new exhibits which were interesting. Go and enjoy or just walking the beautiful grounds.  Unfortunately,  Mable’s Rose Garden has been tampered by the storms.  Garden is still there but NO Roses.

Photo of The Ringling - Sarasota, FL, United States
Exhibit in the Circus museum
Photo of The Ringling - Sarasota, FL, United States
Mable & John Ringling home
Photo of The Ringling - Sarasota, FL, United States
Inside of a room of the Art Museum
Photo of The Ringling - Sarasota, FL, United States. Interred June 4, 1991
Mable, John & and sister Ida Ringling North are buried n Sarasota.
Photo of The Ringling - Sarasota, FL, United States
One of the many statues on the grounds
Photo of The Ringling - Sarasota, FL, United States. House of John Ringling

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Wicked

 Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Q-tips say: YES, watch this.  If you are at all a fan of Wicked on stage, you might absolutely going to be a fan of this cinematic adaptation. Wickedly entertaining and thought-provoking.

Mrs. Q says: While green could symbolize envy, jealousy, and the unknown, Elphaba is unapologetically who she is.

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Adolescence

A family’s world turns upside down when 13-year-old Jamie Miller is arrested for murdering a schoolmate: the charges against their son force them to confront every parent’s worst nightmare.

Q-tips say: Mr. Q liked this more than Mrs. Q did.

The Mr. liked the way the series showed how the family reacted to the final end of the story. They were sad, disappointed that they did not do things correctly because their son was arrested for murdering a schoolmate.

Mrs. Q says: The actor playing the central character Jamie is remarkable. But, what was the point of having someone telling us that “now he is walking down the hall, now she/he is touching their face”, etc. We can see what they are doing so what is the point of having someone telling us?

What was the point of highlighting the police officers socially Awkward son and their frail relationship? Why did the police just disappear half way through the series never to return? What happened to the kid who provided the knife & what happened to the knife.

I think this should have been a movie instead of series.

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G T Bray Park 3/22/2025

G T Bray Park –  5502 33rd Ave Dr W., Bradenton, FL,  (941) 742- 5923,          mymanatee.org/home/government

Q-tips say: G T Bray Park – or as we call it: Squirrel Park.

Mrs. Q says: Nice place to walk, take your kids/grandkids/dog in the dog park, skate park, etc.   A fun place to feed squirrels & birds – buy only unsalted peanuts as not to upset the little tummy.

It has:

Athletic Leagues Programs  , 

Outdoor Education Programs

Fitness Classes, Activities & Events at G.T. Bray Recreation Center

Agriculture & Extension Programs & Classes & Swim lessons

Special Events at Manatee County Parks, Preserves & Beaches

  • Photo of GT Bray Park and Recreation Complex - Bradenton, FL, United States
  • Photo of GT Bray Park and Recreation Complex - Bradenton, FL, United States
Photo of GT Bray Park and Recreation Complex - Bradenton, FL, United States
Wild Squirrel Waits Patiently At The Window Every Morning For A Peanut -  The Animal Rescue Site News
Waiting patiently for peanuts.

Do Squirrels Eat Peanut? (Squirrels Food List) - Pet Spruce
I got It! Thanks!
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BRIO Italian Rest. Sarasota FL 3/21/25

BRIO – 190 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota, FL 34243, (941) 702-9102
brioitalian.com

Q-Tips say:  
Happy Hour begins at 3:00 to 7:00 in the bar/or outside sitting. 

Each Q had:  Their Old Fashion. Shared the bread. 

 Mrs. Q had: Soup of the day: Delicious Mushroom Soup  & Carpaccio –  Shaved tender beef, field greens, capers, mustard aioli.

Mr. Q had: Mushroom soup & Carpaccio – Shaved tender beef, field greens, capers, mustard aioli.  

 Indoor/outdoor/bar area seating.

Photo of Brio Tuscan Grille - Sarasota, FL, United States. Lobster Bisque

Lobster Bisque

  Photo of Brio Italian Grille - Sarasota, FL, United States. Hot, fresh baked bread

Beef Carpaccio - Picture of Brio Italian Grille, Pembroke Pines -  Tripadvisor
Carpaccio
Happy Hour
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Miguel’s 3/20/25

6631 Midnight Pass Rd. Sarasota, FL 34242 –

941-349-4024 – https://www.miguelsrestaurant.net/

Photo of Miguel's French Continental Cisine - Siesta Key, FL, United States

Miguel’s Restaurant specializes in French and continental food. They have a wide selection of appetizers. Entrees include fresh gulf seafood, the choicest cuts of filet mignon, delicious poultry, and veal dishes. Decadent desserts including banana fosters, cherries jubilee and traditional creme caramel. Miguel’s has an extensive wine selection and a full bar & great ambiance.

Early Bird menu: Soup du jour or Prepared Daily Garlic Soup – An old family recipe brought to you from Spain & salad.

ENTREES INCLUDE Tossed green salad with a choice of dressing, fresh garlic bread, fresh vegetables du jour and potato du jour & Choice of dessert du jour.

Always enjoy the ambiance/drinks/food/service at Miguel’s.

Enjoyed the evening with long time friends from the hood: Roger & Nancy.

All had: each couple had complimentary Liver Pate with French bread – carrots/olives.

Next course: Salad- each got their own dressing.

Roger had: An Old Fashion & Shrimp appetizer. LAMB CHOPS – New Zealand lamb chops marinated and grilled to your Taste accompanied with our traditional mint sauce. Dessert: STRAWBERRY ROMANOFF – A rich sauce of Strawberries, Triple Sec, Brandy and whipped cream spooned on vanilla ice cream.

Nancy had: Cosmo & Garlic Soup. LAMB CHOPS – New Zealand lamb chops marinated and grilled to your Taste accompanied with our traditional mint sauce. Dessert: STRAWBERRY ROMANOFF – A rich sauce of Strawberries, Triple Sec, Brandy and whipped cream spooned on vanilla ice cream.

Mrs. Q’s had: Old Fashion & Shrimp appetizer. Salad & VEAL PICCATA – Tender veal sautéed in olive oil, white wine, Capers, lemon and mushrooms. Dessert: STRAWBERRY ROMANOFF – A rich sauce of Strawberries, Triple Sec, Brandy and whipped cream spooned on vanilla ice cream.

Mr. Q had: Perfect Manhattan & Shrimp appetizer. VEAL PICCATA – Tender veal sautéed in olive oil, white wine, Capers, lemon and mushrooms. Dessert choice: STRAWBERRY ROMANOFF – A rich sauce of Strawberries, Triple Sec, Brandy and whipped cream spooned on vanilla ice cream.

Everything was delicious & good drinks.

Photo of Miguel's French Continental Cisine - Siesta Key, FL, United States. Patte with French bread
Your meal always begins with complimentary Pate with French bread – carrots/olives.
Miguel's Restaurant - Sarasota ReviewsSRQ Reviews
Lamb chops





Photo of Miguel's French Continental Cisine - Siesta Key, FL, United States
Garlic Soup
Veal Piccata
Photo of Miguel's French Continental Cisine - Siesta Key, FL, United States
Strawberry Romanoff
Photo of Miguel's French Continental Cisine - Siesta Key, FL, United States
Inside Dining
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PIER 22 – 3/19/25

PIER  22 -1200 1st Ave W., Bradenton, (941) 748-8087      pier22dining.com  

Pier 22 – Good drinks, food, ambiance & nice service.

Now they have a different Happy Hour menu.  –  Available In All Dining Areas From 3-6 pm Daily – $2 OFF Full Size Appetizers & Flatbreads.

We had a wonderful time with neighbors – Jim & Vicki

Both Q’s had: Maker’s Mark – Old Fashion up , Whiskey, simple syrup, orange bitters.

We shared: the Bread & Veggie Spring rolls.

Jim had: Burger – 8 oz angus beef grilled to order with cheese, includes choice of one topping.

Vicki had: Mini Grouper Cakes – with remoulade sauce.

Mr. Q had: New England Clam Chowder- Creamy chowder filled with fresh clams, potatoes and vegetables, served with oyster crackers & Wings – chicken wings, choice of Hot, Mirin Sake Glazed or Caribbean Jerk.

Mrs. Q had: A small 1976 salad & added grilled shrimp – Iceberg lettuce and Parmesan dressing finished with applewood smoked bacon crumbles, chopped egg and Parmesan cheese.

Baked onion Soup

Clam Chowder Soup

Burger
Mini Grouper Cakes
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KEKE’S Breakfast Cafe

KEKE’S Breakfast Cafe –   5405 University Pkwy,  University Park, FL –  (941) 388-8953 –   kekes.com

Q-tips say: Food & service was good. After early morning Dr. appt. we go out for breakfast.

The Q’s shared:   2 eggs, a muffin, potatoes.  Each had a tomato juice & coffee.

They offer a big menu to enjoy & serve breakfast all day. Lunch is served after 10:30.

Sausage - Breakfast - Market Street ...
Sausages
Breakfast we shared
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