- December 11, 2024
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Each year, my dad would count down to the moment: gifts unwrapped (check), trash bags stuffed with torn paper (check), breakfast devoured (check) — all so he could bask in the all-day marathon of "A Christmas Story" on TBS.
He’d doze off in the middle of the leg-lamp scene, wake up for the BB gun saga and drift back to sleep, only to repeat each step (at different parts) with the next airing ... and the next ... and the next.
As a kid, I thought it was overkill, but now, I see the magic that he homed in on for hours each holiday. For him, "A Christmas Story" wasn’t just a movie — it was a portal to simpler times, wrapped in a “frah-gee-lay” bow.
For one day, my dad relived his lost list of childhood mischief during snowy Chicago winters, involving his own flagpole mishap and a longing for the Red Ryder BB gun.
Here's a toast to my dad and simpler times, where all you had to worry about was not shooting your eye out, remembering to drink your Ovaltine and not saying " the queen mother of dirty words," the F-bomb.
Foodies, I present to you “A Christmas Story” menu journey through Sarasota.
3713 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota; 9341-955-8007; DHGroup.com
"Meatloaf, smeatloaf, double-meatloaf." Growing up, I was much like Ralphie's younger brother, Randy. I was always playing with my food until someone excused me from the dinner table — especially if it was meatloaf. Nowadays, my friend and I planned a meatloaf competition and drool over the thought of one day making it as tasty as Der Dutchman's version. The homemade meatloaf ($16.29) is Amish-style and slow cooked, served with special sauce and includes homemade white or wheat dinner rolls and your choice of two side dishes such as creamy coleslaw, tender green beans, homemade dressing (or as this Connecticut-raised gal says, stuffing) with gravy, real mashed potatoes or crispy onion rings.
5430 Proctor Road, Sarasota; 941-923-2573; AalbrittonFruit.com.
"I just thought that you'd be getting tired of the same old stuff." Want to channel your inner Ralphie and gift like a pro? While everyone else is handing over boring trinkets, you can roll in with a show-stopping fruit basket that'll make you the MVP of holiday gifting. This local gem serves up fruit baskets, sweet treats, jams, jellies and cakes year-round, so your gifting game can always be juicy. The wreath full of citrus ($42.99–$65.99) is a crowd-pleaser, packed with navel oranges, ruby red grapefruit, mandarins, honeybell marmalade and fruit-filled strawberry candy. Basically, it’s a flavor-packed holiday hug in a basket.
1561 Lakefront Drive, Unit 107, Sarasota; 941-358-7444; 5140 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Key; 941-346-3699; 312 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; 941-388-3200; Kilwins.com
"Oh, Fudge." This scene always cracks me up. It takes me straight back to the first time I accidentally let a swear word slip in front of my dad while shooting hoops (Spoiler: he laughed.) But it also makes me crave something sweet, like Kilwins legendary fudge. From festive peppermint stick to gooey sea-salt caramel, rich maple walnut and dreamy chocolate peanut butter, Kilwins has a flavor for every sweet tooth. At $11.99 per half pound, this melt-in-your-mouth magic has been made the same way since 1948, when Don and Katy Kilwin originated the recipe on their marble table.
115 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; 941-536-0778; Yardhouse.com
"It was all gone ... no turkey sandwiches!" It might not be the typical turkey dinner as you envision it, but the stacked turkey club ($16.99) fills you up all just the same. Loads of roasted turkey, crispy bacon, Swiss cheese, avocado that doesn't cost extra, tomato (or none, diner's choice), fresh Boston lettuce and mayo, all on toasted brioche and served with house French fries. Gluten-free foodies, don’t fret— you have options! Pair it with their house Belgian White draft beer, and you’ve got yourself a holiday meal worth caroling about. Merry munching to all, and to all a delicious night!
1920 Hillview St., Sarasota; 941-444-7692; AdelineSRQ.com
"Yes, it's a beautiful duck." We all know the scene when the Parkers’ holiday dinner leads them to the Chinese restaurant. (Fun fact: Melinda Dillon, aka Ralphie’s mom, had no clue the duck was coming. Her legendary shriek? Totally real.) I absolutely love duck and Adeline's tender, juicy roasted duck ($55) with a fluffy bao bun, sweet pear, tangy kimchi and hoisin sauce is the best there is. This chic chef’s counter is a bucket-list spot for foodies. Bold, comforting flavors waft through the restaurant while Chef Drew Adams and his crew whip up magic right before your eyes. It’s part dinner, part live art show and the perfect gift for any time of year.
