This year's (and my first...) Ungala Gala can be summed up in two words: exotic...and wet. The drizzle started early, and by the time of my party's fashionable arrival at the Moroccan themed event, a steady mist enveloped the central courtyard of the Ringling Museum. Tents had been hastily erected earlier in the day to cover the buffet tables, dance floor and drink stations, but you had to go into the drizzle to get to the tents.

Once the rain started in earnest around 9:30PM, workers were dispatched to regularly squeegee the treacherous dance floor. One of the last scenes I witnessed before making my exit was a bejeweled and ...ahem...very augmented woman taking a dive on her formally attired backside onto the slick floor, while her clueless and not-too-gallant companion continued the white man's overbite to a popular Donna Summer number from the late 1970's. Ah, good times. You can catch a photo recap of the event here.

This weekend's Ringling Museum black-tie, invitation-only fundraiser for the young and hip, The Ungala Gala, marks the official start of Sarasota's annual philanthropic party season (the annual flock of the snowbirds won't be far behind...). To quote the Ringling:

Each year, more than 1,200 attendees are offered an unparalleled opportunity to unwind in an intriguing atmosphere that is unfettered by the conventions of the traditional black-tie affair.

I was actually graced with an actual, real invitation this year, so the tux is dry-cleaned and the fingers are crossed that the weather will hold (the forecast calls for rain tomorrow night).

Broadway-bound musical, A Tale of Two Cities, from composer-lyricist-librettist Jill Santoriello, with sets by Tony-award-winning designer Tony Walton, started previews at the Asolo Theatre on October 13 and will celebrate two opening nights on October 26-27.

A Broadway debut is hoped for in 2008, but no official date has been announced. Performances of the musical, based on the 1859 novel by Charles Dickens, continue thru November 18.

The high humidity we've been dealing with this fall finally broke on Friday, making the weather ideal for outdoor dining at Ophelia's On The Bay on Siesta Key. Chef Dan Olson's signature take on seafood and game never fails to impress. The menu items change nightly.

Friday night, I started with the Heirloom Organic Green Salad with Spiced Walnut, Pears and Gorgonzola Cheese Drizzled with Black Truffle Oil and Sherry Vinegar Basil and followed with the rack of lamb. The base nightly menu is available online here. Thanks to my handy iPhone, I've included a couple of more photos after the jump.

Continue reading "Ophelia's On The Bay"

If you missed this past Sunday's Herald-Tribune Style magazine interview with local outdoor furniture designer, Jason Champion, you can still check out his latest line via his company's new website.

Champion, whose outdoor designs are featured at Green Valley Ranch Spa & Resort in Las Vegas and can be found in Sarasota at Beau Monde on State Street, is also the exclusive US distributer for Brazilian outdoor furniture manufacturer Tidelli.

Last week it was the Founders Club. This week it's that other exclusive bastion of high-end, high-square-footage luxury homes -- The Lake Club -- that opens its gates to the masses in the hopes of attracting a bevy of designer-clad buyers.

Situated just east of Lakewood Ranch's Country Club entrance, The Lake Club features 1500 acres of pristine landscaping, scenic lakes and one-of-a-kind custom designed luxury homes. Home sites start at one-quarter acre and go up to a full acre and all feature water, preserve or landscaped views. The Lake Club is within minutes of the Sarasota Polo Club and the shops of Lakewood Ranch's Main Street.

With home plans from 10 estate homebuilders, amenities include a day spa and concierge service. Home sites from the low $200's. Homes with home sites start at $1 million.

The gates are open this Sunday, October 7 from 1PM to 4PM.