Sunshine City Magazine
Rene’s Mexican Kitchen heads to Ybor City, Epic Chef competition returns to South Tampa, and more local foodie news | Food News | Tampa
Renesmexicankitchenofficial / Facebook
One of Chef Rene’s many taco options—loaded with beef short rib, creamy avocado sauce and pico de gallo.
Openings
Parasol St. Pete’s historic Vinoy Resort & Golf Club has undergone multiple renovations over the past two years, and one of its most exciting additions recently opened its doors. Latin American restaurant Parasol—with beautiful views of both Tampa Bay and the hotel’s pool— made its debut at 501 5th Ave. NE earlier this week. A press release says the newly-opened restaurant offers an “island-like atmosphere” and a menu inspired by Latin-American flavors. Parasol’s seafood-focused menu features small plates of tuna tartare, grouper ceviche, jicama ensalada and lobster quesadillas, in addition to tropical-inspired cocktails like the Chilcano—a blend of the high-proof fermented grape juice spirit pisco, ginger, strawberry and lime. The Parasol is one of the many facets of the historic hotel’s multi-million dollar renovations, which finished its first phase a few months ago. One big change that folks can expect in the future includes an expansion of its fine dining restaurant Marchand’s Bar & Grill, which has been closed since 2020. 501 5th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Thevinoy.com
Lona This new Mexican restaurant—located at 505 Water St. inside of Tampa Marriott Water Street —celebrates its grand opening on Tuesday, July 18. A press release described this new restaurant’s menu as “elevated but approachable expression of Mexican fare.” Take your Taco Tuesday to the next level with Lona’s spread of expected favorites like guacamole, street corn, tuna tostadas, quesadillas and fish tacos, in addition to entrees like roasted red pepper fajitas and grilled skirt steak with refried beans, corn enmolada (tortillas smothered in mole), and sauteed poblano peppers. Lona’s extended weekend brunch menu is expected to launch within the next few months. Its bar program will also offer a selection of over 200 mezcal and tequila options, and lucky guests might be able to take a visit to Lona’s private spirits lockers. The Fort Lauderdale-based restaurant offers a menu full of high-end Mexican dishes from Chef Richard Sandoval in collaboration with fellow South Florida chef Pablo Salas. 505 Water St., Tampa. Lonatampa.com
Coming Soon
Rene’s Mexican Kitchen About two weeks ago, a Rene’s Mexican Kitchen sign popped up on the building at 2802 N 16th St. on the outskirts of Ybor City, and Chef Rene Valenzuela himself recently told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that his brand’s first brick and mortar is currently in the works. Although this small, North Ybor building is the food truck’s first official brick and mortar, Chef Rene tells CL that his upcoming location will be an ultra-casual pick-up window and not a full-service restaurant. “This location is a small step forward—but an important one,” Chef Rene says. “It’s going to be a bodega-style space with a walk-up window, similar to something you’d see in Miami or New York.” This new brick and mortar will offer no indoor or outdoor seating—just take-out orders and delivery via companies like Uber, DoorDash, etc. Since Chef Rene’s team is only making slight renovations to the Ybor City space, he’s confident that his upcoming location will debut later this summer—hopefully sometime in August. When Rene’s Mexican Kitchen’s second location opens, it will sling tacos loaded with proteins like al pastor, barbacoa, chorizo and cheese, picadillo-stuffed peppers and spicy shrimp, in addition to vegetarian options like oyster mushrooms and butternut squash. 2802 N 16th S, Ybor City. @renesmexicankitchenofficial on Instagram
Closings
Thailand Restaurant The owners of one beloved Tampa restaurant are finally ready to retire and close its doors for good (but we’re just happy they won’t be displaced by more condos.) After 45 years of dishing out hearty curries, egg rolls and fried rice platters out of its space at 5252 S Dale Mabry Hwy., South Tampa’s Thailand Restaurant will close next month. A few months ago, owners Amnuay and Moo Thambundit announced on Facebook that they would be retiring soon, and switched to solely take-out orders in May. “As many of you know, we will be retiring soon. We have served you all for over 44 years and are greatly appreciative of your long-time patronage to us,” the Thambundits wrote on Facebook in April. The husband and wife duo opened their restaurant in 1979 and claim to be the first restaurateurs to bring traditional Thai fare to the Tampa Bay area. The last day to order take-out from Thailand Restaurant is Friday, July 28. The Thai restaurant still offers a large menu of papaya salads, spring rolls, pad Thai, curries and a variety of stir fried proteins. Its entire menu can be browsed at thailandtampa.com. 5252 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. @thailandtampa on Facebook
Events
Epic Chef This local series of “Chopped”-like culinary competitions that benefit Feeding Tampa Bay, a popular nonprofit that aims to end hunger across a 10-county span in Central Florida, returns to South Tampa this week. The first round of Epic Chef—happening on Monday, July 10 at 1207 S Howard Ave.— pits Evan Lipman of popular St. Pete restaurant Wild Child against Josue Collado of the Bib Gourmand-winning Rooster & the Till. Each dish—which consists of mystery ingredients picked by a child currently served at a Feeding Tampa Bay Summer Food Service Partner—will be assessed by presentation, creativity and flavor, and a panel of esteemed judges will decide which chef moves on to the competition’s finale. Two more culinary competitions happen at The Epicurean this summer—an all-star matchup featuring past Epic Chef winners on July 31 and the battle of executive chefs, taking place on August 3. The all-star event features local sous chefs that have won previous competitions (although the lineup has not yet been released), while August’s executive chef battle pits Cena’s Michael Buttacavoli against Wild Child’s Rob Reinsmith. epicureanhotel.com.
Event Details
Epic Chef
“The Ocky Way” pop-up Even off-the-grid folks that steer clear from Tik Tok have probably heard of the viral “Ocky Way” videos, where a New York-based bodega owner creates wild sandwiches with everyday snacks that his customers request. The man behind these viral videos, Rahim Mohamed or “General Ock” is hitting the road and bringing the “Ocky Way” all the way to Tampa Bay this month. Seminole Heights’ Ology Brewing hosts its “Ocky Way” pop-up on Saturday, July 15 from noon-7 p.m., where local foodies can get a taste of this viral chopped cheese. There are no tickets for next weekend’s event, but Mohamed will dish out his beloved bodega eats on a first come, first serve basis. Mohamed— who has a loyal Tik Tok following of 4.4 million fans—will be dishing out wild sandwiches, and utilizes popular bodega snacks like Pop tarts, potato chips, mozzarella sticks and pancakes in his whacky culinary creations. We’re not exactly sure what he’ll be cooking up for his Tampa fans next weekend, but we can only hope that a bacon, egg and cheese on a Honey Bun is on the menu. Ology Brewing, located at 6401 N Florida Ave., will be teaming up with New York-based Mortalis Brewing Company to curate a special drink menu in collaboration with Mohamed’s pop-up. 6401 N Florida Ave, Tampa. @rah_money1 on Instagram. ICYMI
While Bern’s Steak House undergoes renovations this month, sibling restaurant Haven offers ‘Taste of Bern’s’ specials While Tampa’s iconic steak house undergoes renovations (for the first time in several years), its little sibling gives its loyal patrons a literal taste of Bern’s. Between July 5-8 and July 11-15, South Tampa’s Haven will offer an exclusive “A Taste of Bern’s” menu loaded with appetizers, entrees and desserts inspired by Bern’s Steak House. Both restaurants share an executive chef, Chad Johnson, who crafted this exclusive menu to help satisfy the palette of Bern’s regulars while the steakhouse remains closed for the next few weeks. Appetizers include French onion risotto, steak tartare and shrimp cocktail, while featured entrees include a variety of Bern’s signature meats like filet mignon, dry-aged porterhouses and racks of lamb. A selection of classic steakhouse sides like creamed spinach and lobster mashed potatoes joins a small menu of desserts from the Harry Waugh Room pastry team and wines from Bern’s world-famous cellar. According to its website, Bern’s has been closed since July 2. The restaurant expects the remodeling to take about two weeks, but it’s unsure exactly when it will reopen its doors. Its summer renovations include changes to its lounge, kitchen and staff break area. 2208 W Morrison Ave., Tampa. Haventampa.com
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Sunshine City Magazine
Tampa Shuffle’s six-year anniversary weekend kicks off with Women In Music showcase | Tampa
Kicking off Shuffle’s weekend-long, six-year anniversary party, Seek the Light Media—a woman-owned media company run by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay contributor Yvonne Gougelet—is hosting its first-ever Women In Music Showcase this weekend.
A press release notes that along with March being National Women’s Month, the acoustic-based event—which includes a set from uke-weilding songwriter Ari Chi—was partially inspired by the need to raise awareness around a constant lack of diversity on gig lineups.
There’s no cover to get into the Women In Music Showcase happening on Friday, March 15, but donations to keep Tampa’s beloved woman-owned shuffleboard hotspot up and running will be greatly appreciated.
To close out its anniversary weekend, Shuffle—located at 2612 N Tampa St.—welcomes Lauris Vidal, his one-man band, a special “Tom Waits giving a hug to Paul Simon” vocal style, along with Tribal Style—the reggae roots outfit that came up in the Southern California scene before becoming a staple in the Bay area.
There’s no cover for any of the Shuffle six-year anniversary concerts happening Friday-Saturday, March 15-16 at Tampa Shuffle.
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Six local projects that encompass everything from uplifting South St. Petersburg communities to clean energy initiatives will benefit from U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s federal appropriations success.
The congresswoman recently secured $14 million in area Community Priority Grants, with $5.5 million directly benefitting St. Petersburg organizations. Castor was particularly proud of receiving $1.5 million – her full ask – for the Enoch Davis Center.
The facility at 111 18th Ave. S. is named after a prominent local civil rights activist. Mayor Ken Welch called the center “vital but dated” when he announced plans in May 2023 to transform it into a state-of-the-art community hub.
“I love that one because I’m at the Enoch Davis Center a lot,” Castor told the Catalyst. “Those modern, up-to-date community centers are more important than ever.”
The federal grant will fund assessment, pre-construction and energy-efficiency costs. Welch previously noted the facility’s expansive upgrades will support neighborhood health and safety and provide “technology and tools to excel in our competitive 21st-century economy.”
Castor explained that the Inflation Reduction Act also allows local governments and organizations to receive rebates for sustainability efforts, like solar panels. “When you help the city save money, you help our neighbors save money, too,” she said.
“So, you’re going to see those kinds of investments … really ramp up,” Castor added. “And boy, do we need it – because our electric bills are out of sight.”
She also secured over $1.1 million for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. The agency will use the money to convert its bus fleet to electric motors.
The federal funding will also help PSTA electrify its St. Petersburg Pier tram system. Castor called it a “great demonstration” of clean energy benefits due to the vehicles’ “high profile.”
“I was out there on The Pier about a week and a half ago, and they run all the time,” she said. “They’re gas-powered. And if you’re sitting behind the engine, it’s not great.”
From left, PSTA CEO Brad Miller and Congresswoman Kathy Castor discuss the SunRunner service with local resident and frequent rider Christopher Winters. Photo by Ashley Morales.
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg emerged as a big winner in the grant cycle. The Coastal Resilience Data Visualization Center at the College of Marine Science and the Disrupt Human Trafficking Data Project will each receive $963,000.
Coastal Resilience Center officials will use the funding for scientific planning, threat simulations and public outreach activities. Castor noted the city and state are particularly vulnerable to more frequent and intense storms and sea-level rise.
In addition, the nation experienced the hottest February in recorded history. Castor said people need up-to-date information on where to build and live safely.
“Hopefully, this informs policymakers to help them steer development away from the most dangerous areas,” she said. “It comes back to how people are feeling in their pocketbooks, with insurance costs. We really have to give people better tools and a better understanding of what a changing climate will mean for them.”
USFSP’s Trafficking in Person’s (TIP) Risk to Resilience Research Lab will use the Community Grant funding to develop a statewide data repository called TIPSTR. The program will assist law-enforcement investigations, mitigate gaps in victim services, develop prevention programs and help discern the problem’s magnitude.
An $850,000 grant will support the Deuces Rising development, formerly the Sankofa project. It will provide 24 homeownership opportunities along the 22nd Street South (the Deuces) corridor for those earning below 80% of the area median income.
The public subsidy for each unit in the long-discussed development is just under $500,000. Castor said she “thought it was worthwhile to try to help lower the cost of the affordable housing portion.”
“This may turn out to be a one-two punch,” Castor added. “It (funding) is not at the level I sought. If it will qualify next year, I may come back and try to do another tranche for that.”
The Pinellas County Urban League will receive $81,130 for new computers and updated technological infrastructure. The goal is to increase reliable digital access to bolster economic opportunities in underserved communities.
Castor called the Urban League one of her “most valuable partners” in St. Pete. She said organizational leadership relayed their struggle to keep pace with continuously evolving technology.
Castor said securing the funding was easy as it aligned with congressional economic development initiatives. She also noted that the Urban League plays a prominent role in lowering local electricity costs by helping low-income residents weatherize their homes.
“The summers are so hot and go on for a longer period of time, and that impacts you if you work outside and want to enjoy our beautiful Sunshine City,” Castor said. “I don’t hear the climate skeptics that I used to … because the economics of it are right in front of them.”
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor was named the American Council on Renewable Energy’s Renewable Energy Champion in March 2023. Photo provided.
St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner once again, and it’s always the best excuse to get a little buck-wild in between the forced romance of Valentine’s Day and the moral obligation of Easter and Mother’s Day. Dozens of bars, restaurants and other venues throughout Tampa Bay are throwing a wide range of parties, street festivals, brunches and even kid-friendly festivities to celebrate the beloved drinking holiday—and here are the best 20-ish celebrations we could find.
Did we miss your St. Patrick’s Day party? Submit your event to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s calendar, then email [email protected] to be added to this event roundup.
The ‘Biggest’ St. Paddy’s Day Party Palm Harbor’s go-to deli hosts a full week of food specials and live entertainment to commemorate its favorite holiday—from drinking tunes from The Irish Ramblers to bagpipe performances and traditional Irish step dance. Indulge in classic Lucky Dill dishes like its reuben egg rolls, hot pastrami sandwiches and corned beef and cabbage, plus whiskey tastings and giveaways on select days. Tuesday-Sunday, March 12-17. No cover. Various times. Lucky Dill Deli, 33180 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor. @LuckyDillDeli on Facebook
21st Annual MacPatrick Fest South Tampa hotspot MacDinton’s Irish Pub has been hosting its multi-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration for the past 21 years, and that just may be the median age of partygoers at 2024’s installment this weekend. Each day features its own drink specials, themes and giveaways, but Sunday’s “Green Kegs” breakfast, open bar and live entertainment is certainly the fest’s finale. Thursday-Sunday, March 14-17. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. $15 & up. MacDinton’s Irish Pub, 405 S Howard Ave., Tampa. macdintons.com
St. Paddy’s Punk & Roll Cage Brewing hosts its own mini-fest featuring over 15 local musicians that will take turns sharing its outdoor stage this weekend, plus booze-friendly eats courtesy of Kraken Joe’s Pizza. Friday-Sunday, March 15-17. Various times. No cover (RSVP encouraged.) Cage Brewing, 2001 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg. cagebrewing.com
St. Patrick’s Weekend & Irish Coffee Stout Release Move over green beer, there’s a new holiday brew in town. Crooked Thumb Brewery releases its exclusive Irish Coffee Stout, plus live music and food trucks all weekend-long. Friday-Sunday, March 15-17. Various times. No cover. Crooked Thumb Brewery, 555 10th Ave S, Safety Harbor. crookedthumbbrew.com.
Sips & Shenanigans Brunch Get some grub before Tampa’s River O’Green festival at Melting Pot Social’s special holiday brunch, complete with bottomless green mimosas, corned beef and cabbage and other classic brunch fare. Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $40. Melting Pot Social, 105 West Tyler St., Tampa. meltingpotsocial.com
Corey Avenue Street Party 2024’s rendition of this annual block party coincides with one of its longtime sponsors, Swigwam Beach Bar, but this all-day St. Patrick’s Day gig will definitely continue throughout Corey Avenue’s 300 Block. Soggy Bottom Boys, Beach Rats and Full Throttle provide entertainment. Saturday, March 16. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. No cover. 300 Block of Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach. @SwigwamBeachBar on Facebook.
St. Patrick’s Day Party & Mini-golf Tournament Largo’s resident farm and petting zoo hosts way more than kid’s birthday parties, as evidenced by its debut St. Patrick’s Day celebration this weekend. Flex your putting skills at its mini-golf tournament or relax with a beer and plate of corned beef and cabbage. Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. No cover (farm tours cost $10 per person). DK Farms & Gardens, 1750 Lake Ave SE, Largo. dkfarmsandgardens.com
Get Lucky Block Party Whiskey shots out of an ice luge and an open bar from 5 p.m.-7p.m. are the main draws of Bar HWRD’s holiday banger, which can either be a launching pad or end cap for a night of partying in South Tampa. Saturday, March 16. 5 p.m.-3 a.m. $10-$20. Bar HWRD, 302 South Howard Ave., Tampa. barhwrdtampa.com
River O’Green The City of Tampa’s family-friendly river-dyeing party returns to Curtis Hixon Park this weekend with kid activities, live entertainment, food trucks and green beer (for the parents.) Saturday, March 16. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. No cover. Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. tampasdowntown.com
St. Patrick’s Day Bash by the Beach This beach-adjacent hotel hosts a night filled with whiskey tastings, perfectly poured pints of Guinness, live music and Irish-themed cocktails. 7Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. Noon-8 p.m. No cover, Eventbrite RSVP recommended. Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, 100 Coronado Dr.,Clearwater. wyndhamgrandclearwater.com
2nd Annual Paddyfest Perhaps one of the most—if not the most—kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebrations returns to the heart of St. Pete this weekend, with tons of activities and entertainment in tow. Paddyfest St. Pete hosts a multitude of festivities including dozens of local vendors, food trucks slinging both Irish and American fare, whiskey tastings, a dedicated kids zone, live music and dancing, a wide variety of brews on tap and athletic performances from FSA Highland, a Florida-based organization that specializes in traditional Scottish sports like shot put, caber toss and sheaf toss.
Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. Noon-9 p.m. No cover. Williams Park, 330 2nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. paddyfeststpete.com
Mary Margaret’s St. Patrick’s Weekend This Central Avenue-adjacent bar offers Irish vibes year-round, but they’re usually kicked up a notch during its weekend-long party, which includes live music, bagpipers, specials like corned beef and cabbage and tons of Guinness to wash it all down. Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. 9 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. 29 3rd St. N, St. Petersburg. marymargarets.com
St. Patrick’s Weekend Both days of Slizzy Mcgees’ annual party features live music from Flo-Raw and Stealing Crowns, local food trucks, specials on traditional Irish fare and of course, tons of booze. Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. Slizzy Mcgee’s, 1159 62nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. @Slizzymcgees on Facebook
St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl This bar crawl throughout The ‘Burg kicks off at Welcome to the Farm and continues at various neighboring bars in downtown St. Pete. Ticket holders get drinks at each stop, access to food specials and specialty, holiday-themed cocktails. Sunday, March 17. $9.99 & up. Welcome To The Farm, 242 1st Ave. N St Petersburg. pubcrawls.com
St. Patrick’s Day Open Mic Night A nice, sober or low-key option for St. Patrick’s Day if barhopping and late nights isn’t your jam. RSVPs are recommended for this free-to-attend open mic night with craft beer, wine and kava available for purchase.
Sunday, March 17. 3 p.m.-8 p.m. No cover. The Village Courtyard, Beach Boulevard South Gulfport. @villagecourtyard on Facebook
Flanagan’s St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival Billed as one of the “largest St. Patrick’s Day festivals in Florida,” Flanagan’s annual party features a full lineup of music and entertainment from noon-8 p.m. and lots of flowing green beer. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. No cover. Flanagan’s Irish Pub, 465 Main St., Dunedin. @flanagansirishpub on Facebook
8th Annual Block Party If you aren’t ready to stop drinking after Paddyfest at Williams Park, then head to The Galley’s annual festivity complete with live music, plenty of Guinness, whiskey and Irish food specials. Sunday, March 17. 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. No cover. The Galley, 27 4th Street N , St. Petersburg. @TheGalleyDTSP on Facebook
Sober St. Patrick’s Day No hangover, no problem. This Clearwater kava house hosts a laid-back holiday party filled with N/A drink specials and screenings of St. Patrick’s Day-themed movies. Sunday, March 18. 8 p.m.-midnight. No cover. Kava House Brand, 11141 US Highway 19 N #408 Clearwater. kavahousebrand.com
St. Patrick’s Day at Caddy’s on the Beach Caddy’s locations on Indian Rocks Beach (20025 Gulf Blvd.), Madeira Beach (14080 Gulf Blvd.), Treasure Island (9000 W Gulf Blvd.) and Johns Pass (190 Boardwalk PI.) all host their own holiday parties with cheap drinks, raffles, giveaways, live entertainment and free green tea shots for anyone rocking the color of the evening. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. No cover. Various locations. caddys.com
O’Briens Irish Pub’s annual St. Patrick’s Event Step dancers, bagpipers and local acts like Noodles Magoo, The Headbang, Wyndbreakers and Nicaea provide the entertainment this weekend at Carollwood’s O’Briens Irish Pub, which just celebrated its 33rd anniversary. Sunday, March 17. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. $20. O’Briens Irish Pub, 15435 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. obrienspubstampa.com
O’Maddy’s Annual Waterfront Party Waterfront gulfport pub O’Maddy’s hosts one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day parties each March, and 2024’s rendition offers plenty of flowing green beer, Irish fare and music from Pete & Dean Trio, Horses Wild and The Horny Toads. Sunday, March 17. 10 a.m.-midnight. No cover. O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille, 5405 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. @omaddys on Facebook
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