Sunshine City Magazine

BBQ Love Fest takes over Tampa, Izakaya Tori’s bar make its debut and more local food news | Tampa

Published

1 year ago

November 18, 2023

shawtysaprano

click to enlarge

c/o BBQ Love Fest

Over 20 local cook teams and professional pit masters will provide tons of BBQ at this weekend’s festival.

Openings

Tori Bar Last March, popular Tampa cocktail staple Fly Bar closed its doors, but a new concept just opened in its former downtown location. Back in September, the owners of Izakaya Tori took to social media to announce that a new Japanese-style pub called Tori Bar (one of three Tampa Bay spots on Yelp’s “100 Best Places To Eat in 2023” list) will take over downtown’s old Fly Bar space. The “late-night” Japanese tapas spot soft opened this week and is already being praised for its Japanese whiskey, high balls, craft cocktails and menu items like grilled skewers, sashimi, sea urchin hand rolls and hokkaido scallop truffle carpaccio, alongside a few other small plates. Tori Bar is now open from 4 p.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday (with the kitchen closing at 11:30 p.m.), 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday (with the kitchen closing at 12:30 a.m.), and is closed on Sundays. There are no reservations for this new Japanese bar just yet, only walk-ins on a first come, first served basis. 442 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. @tori_bar_tampa on Instagram

Fortu A hot new restaurant just opened in one of The ‘Burg’s most historic buildings. Fortu is located within the historic Ponce De Leon Boutique Hotel that formerly housed popular Spanish restaurant Ceviche before it moved a few blocks away in 2021. Although ILovetheBurg says Fortu’s official grand opening doesn’t happen until Tuesday, Dec. 5., it seems like reservations for its dining room and patio are now available via Tock. Promising an “elevated Pan-Asian dining experience that celebrates Asia’s vibrant and diverse culture,” Fortu’s menu boasts a wide selection of steaks—including specialty cuts of wagyu—both cooked and raw seafood, and a variety of fusion-forward shareables and sides. Since steaks are the star of Fortu’s menu, the newly-opened high end concept offers a variety of different cuts—from prime ribeyes, Australian ebony strip steaks and porterhouses to tenderloins, massive 40oz “cowboy cuts” and an A5 wagyu pairing, complete with dry-aged Miyazaki ribeye cap and miso koji aged-stone axe tenderloin. 95 Central Ave., St. Pete. forturestaurants.com

Da’ Shrine Self-described as a “cultural immersion that transports you to the heart of Africa and the Caribbean,” Seminole Heights’ newest restaurant made its long-awaited debut last week. Da’ Shrine is located directly across from Spaddy’s Coffee Co. and adjacent to other concepts like Chocolate Pi, Independent Bar and Cafe and the newly-opened Champion Pizza. The Caribbean and African restaurant celebrated a grand opening on Nov. 9 and offers a variety of both traditional and fusion dishes, from whole red snapper with jollof rice and stewed oxtails to pounded yam and chicken stew, the popular Nigerian soup egusi, jerk chicken wings and spicy spaghetti. Da’ Shrine is also open for breakfast, with a daytime menu of red velvet pancakes, shrimp and grits and a steak skillet, alongside its full-service bar which boasts a variety of craft cocktails, beer and wine. 5137 N Florida Ave., Tampa. dashrinerestaurant.com

Gorditos We all know that Sparkman Wharf can be absolutely sweltering in the summertime, but luckily a new empanada and shaved ice concept can help cool things down next time you’re strolling around the popular Tampa hotspot. Gorditos is the newest concept to join Sparkman Wharf, and will soon live next to neighboring Proper House Group concepts like Dang Dude and Gallito Taqueria. After hosting a “sneak peek” soft opening last week, PHG’s Chef Ferrell Alvarez took to social media to announce Gorditos’ official grand opening, which happened this past Wednesday. In addition to its lineup of fresh empanadas with fillings like beef, chicken, spinach and cheese, mojo pork and guava and cream cheese, Gorditos also dishes out various flavors of shaved ice to help cool off on a hot Florida day. The shaved ice itself is topped with different syrups and fruits, and comes in flavors like piña colada, mucho mango, watermelon and lime, strawberries and cream, and even coconut Thai tea, complete with lychee boba and toasted coconut. 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa. Gorditostampa.com

Closings

Fazoli’s Less than two years after opening, fast-casual Italian chain Fazoli’s has closed its first and only Tampa restaurant. Tampa’s first Fazoli’s debuted at 4011 E Busch Blvd back in February of 2022. It’s unclear exactly when the Hot Bins-adjacent location closed, but the restaurant has been removed from the company’s website, and both the Google and Facebook profiles now say it’s “permanently closed.” Creative Loafing Tampa Bay reached out to the company for more details, and calls to the location say the number is no longer in service. Known for its baked pastas, as well as lasagna, pizzas, breadsticks and wings, Fazoli’s holds a special place in the hearts of mid-western transplants, who essentially considered this fancy fast food back in the late mid to late 90s. The celebrated opening of the Tampa location was originally part of a large push from Fazoli’s to open 25-30 new franchises throughout the country in 2022. fazolis.com

Events

BBQ Love Fest The phrase “cooking for a cause” takes many forms, but one Tampa native has launched a philanthropic event that combines his passion for barbecuing with his community-centered ethos. The Brisket Shoppe’s Danny Hernandez—alongside a variety of other barbecue enthusiasts, volunteers, musicians and vendors—hosts the inaugural BBQ Love Fest in downtown Tampa this weekend with the mission of “cooking for a cure.” Perry Harvey Sr. Park in Tampa’s Encore district is the host of the first-ever BBQ Love Fest, happening from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18. This family-friendly event is free for children under the age of 12 and offers discounted admission for first responders. Tickets ($65 for general admission, $129 for VIP) include barbecue samples from 20 local cook teams and the “Pitmaster’s Showcase,” access to a variety of grilling-related vendors, live music and the chance to vote for your favorite plate of the day. 1000 E Harrison St., Tampa. Grillandprovisions.com

Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival For 35 years, residents of Tarpon Springs and beyond have indulged in a decadent spread of crab legs, shrimp, oysters and mussels at the charming waterfront town’s seafood festival. Live music, an arts and crafts show, a kid’s zone and a variety of local food vendors are part of the laid-back Tarpon Spring Merchant Association-organized festival, happening this Friday-Sunday. There’s free parking at Splash Park and Tarpon Towers, plus a complimentary shuttle that will take you to the festival itself. Event organizers estimate that about 30,000 people will be in attendance this weekend, so perhaps expect to wait in a line for certain vendors. There’s no cover for the Tarpon Springs Seafood Festival happening Friday-Sunday, Nov. 17-19 at Craig Park. 100 Library Ln, Tarpon Springs. Spongedocks.net ICYMI

A Tampa Bay Chick-fil-A location is now offering free drone delivery The traffic is so bad in Tampa Bay that even chicken sandwiches are avoiding the roads at all costs. Earlier this week, the E. Brandon/Valrico Chick-fil-A restaurant (located at 1504 E. Brandon Blvd) announced that it’s now offering free drone delivery. In a demonstration video posted to Facebook on Monday, the brief clip shows a Chick-fil-A order getting bagged up and handed off to a DroneUp pilot, who then puts the food in a white box and attaches it to a drone in a coned-off parking lot launch site. The food is then seen getting air dropped from the sky into some hungry guy’s yard. The service is free for a limited time, says the company, and is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. A representative at the location told CL that orders have to be within a 1.2-mile radius, but the location is hoping to expand that to two miles soon. This is at least the second major brand to partner with DroneUp. Last year, the company announced it was also brining drone delivery services to select Walmarts in the Tampa area. chick-fil-a.com

The McRib will return to Tampa Bay McDonald’s locations this week The McRib, a big savory wad of ground-up pork shoulder and spices emulsified into a food-like brick of preservatives and then carefully topped with pickles and onions, will make a limited return to Central Florida McDonald’s locations this week. McDonald’s recently announced that its fan favorite seasonal sandwich will come back on Thursday, Nov. 16, but in a very limited capacity. “Just like everyone’s favorite rockstar coming out of retirement, the McRib returns once again for a limited time only, but not nationwide,” says a press release. “Head to a McDonald’s near you in Central and North Florida, South Georgia, or Southeast South Carolina while supplies last. As of now, participating McDonald’s can be found in the following Central Florida counties: Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Desoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia. mcdonalds.com

Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

Sunshine City Magazine

Tampa Shuffle’s six-year anniversary weekend kicks off with Women In Music showcase | Tampa

Published

9 months ago

March 13, 2024

shawtysaprano

click to enlarge

Photo by Camren Meier

Ari Chi, who plays Shuffle in Tampa, Florida on March 15, 2024.

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.
Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.

Sunshine City Magazine

Congresswoman secures $5.5 million for St. Pete projects • St Pete Catalyst

Published

9 months ago

March 13, 2024

shawtysaprano

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 18^th 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 21^st-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 22^nd 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.

Sunshine City Magazine

Over 20 St. Patrick’s Day parties happening in Tampa Bay in 2024 | Tampa

Published

10 months ago

March 12, 2024

shawtysaprano

click to enlarge

Over 20 St. Patrick’s Day parties happening in Tampa Bay in 2024

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

Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.