Sunshine City Magazine
Tampa Heights is about to get a new omakase concept, Oktoberfest parties are here, and more local foodie news | Food News | Tampa
Openings
Kōsen A unique fine dining concept will soon open its doors in Tampa Heights. High-end omakase restaurant Kōsen lives at 307 W Palm Ave., right around the corner from Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Rocca and Armature Works. While a press release from its owners doesn’t specify a grand opening date, it states that Kōsen will debut sometime in October and is currently accepting reservations for next month. Kōsen’s offering is a unique, 20-plus course reservation-only omakase menu at its 10-seat sushi counter, giving each guest an immersive and interactive dining experience. Adjacent to Kōsen’s intimate sushi bar is a 25-seat dining room named “Kō,” which will boast a 10-course tasting menu out of its open kitchen. Kō—which is set to open a few weeks after Kōsen—“will take a modern approach to Japan’s culinary tradition of Kaiseki—showcasing the best of both land and sea.” This new Tampa Heights concept will be led by New York-based Chef Wei Chen, who spent many years in Kyoto mastering the art of sushi-making. Notably, Chen trained for seven years under master sushi chef Masa Takayama at NYC’s leading omakase restaurant Masa, which has maintained its steady 3 Michelin stars for the last several years. 307 W Palm Ave., Tampa. Kosentampa.com
Champion Pizza Ichicoro’s now-closed restaurant has been sitting vacant for the last several months, but NYC-based chain Champion Pizza just took over the space at 5229 N Florida Ave. in Seminole Heights. The new concept celebrates its grand opening today, Sept. 29 from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Champion Pizza is known for offering over 30 different flavors of thin crust ‘za, although no two locations boast the same exact menu. Popular options include Buffalo chicken, margherita, lasagna, meat lover’s, pesto chicken and supreme, alongside other flavors that are particular to certain locations. In addition to dishing out piping hot slices of ‘za, customers can also indulge in a variety of fried chicken options. “We’re setting foot into a groundbreaking collaboration that I believe will redefine the culinary landscape of Tampa,” Champion Pizza writes on Instagram. “We’re introducing our very first partnership with the krispy and flavorful Korean Chiking in Tampa.” The new pizza and chicken joint is now open from noon-11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and noon-10 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 5229 N Florida Ave., Tampa. @championpizza on Instagram
Coming soon
Lepley’s Kitchen & Lounge If you’re one of Tyler Lepley’s 920,000 Instagram followers, you may have noticed the actor teasing the opening of his restaurant—which just happens to be located right here in Tampa. Lepley’s Kitchen & Lounge will soon debut at 6310 N Florida Ave. in Seminole Heights’ former Social House space, which quietly closed its doors earlier this year. It’s unsure exactly when Social House shuttered its doors, although the business confirmed the closure in mid-July, right around the time that Lepley teased the opening of his debut restaurant and lounge on social media. Last week, the actor posted that his restaurant was hiring for both back of house and front of house positions, so the grand opening of Lepley’s Kitchen & Lounge may not be too far away. If you’re driving past the former Social House on Florida Avenue any time soon, you’ll also notice that the once gray building is now a vibrant blue. While it’s unsure what type of cuisine Lepley’s will serve, the restaurant promises “ incredible vibes, beautiful people and a new culinary standard.” 6310 N Florida Ave., Tampa. @lepleystampa on Instagram
Events
Green Bench Brewing Co.’s 10th anniversary One of St. Pete’s most popular breweries is celebrating a decade in The ‘Burg, and it’s hosting an art show, releasing exclusive beers and dropping special merch to commemorate it. Festivities kicked off Wednesday with a reunion filled with old friends and former staff, Thursday’s party continues with tunes from DJ Beacon and “A Sunshine City” art exhibition curated by beloved St. Pete artist Chad Mize, and a Friday karaoke night. The official anniversary party happens this Saturday with a waterslide, pools and other entertainment during the day and a feature presentation of Green Bench Brewing Co.’s history and a toast from the owners at night—in addition to specials like $10 select Webb’s bottles and $5 core beers and seasonals all day-long. There’s no cover to attend Green Bench’s anniversary festivities happening this weekend, but feel free to bring cash for its discounted brews. 1133 Baum Ave. N, St. Petersburg. greenbenchbrewing.com Over 25 ways to celebrate Oktoberfest around Tampa Bay this fall Craft breweries in every corner of Tampa Bay love celebrating Oktoberfest every fall, each hosting their own versions of the world’s largest beer festival. From märzens and kölsches to pilsners and lagers, these Bavarian-themed parties feature some of the best German-style beer around—whether its imported from the motherland or brewed right here in Florida. For all the polka music-lovers and stein-hoisters out there— here are 25 Oktoberfest celebrations happening throughout Tampa Bay this fall. All events are free to attend unless an admission price is listed. We recommend attending the German American Society of Pinellas County’s weekend-long party, Curtis Hixon Park’s massive Oktoberfest festival, Dunedin Brewery’s 23rd annual celebration and St. Pete’s Piertoberfest happening this Sunday.
ICYMI
Ybor Heights brewery Deviant Libation just dropped its first canned beer After celebrating its long-awaited grand opening back in January, Deviant Libation—located at 3800 N Nebraska Ave. in Ybor Heights—released its very first canned beer, a sour ale called “Visibility,” last weekend. Although it’s too late to enjoy the drag performances, food trucks and DJs, you can still swing by the brewery and sip on the “moderately soured ale aged on mango, papaya, and American white oak,” or grab some cans to-go. “We are stoked to partner with BKN, a fellow LGBTQ+ organization, on our first beer can drop. This is a huge deal, and we can’t wait to start pouring it out to celebrate this milestone with everyone in the Tampa Bay community,” says Deviant Libation owner Tim Ogden in a press release. “LGBTQ+ visibility matters, and Deviant Libation is intent on creating a space that drips with inclusivity and celebrates equity and diversity.” @deviantlibation on Instagram
St. Pete institution Rococo Steakhouse recently announced that David Blackmon is its newly-appointed executive chef. He most recently served as the executive chef of Atlanta-based, new American concept Bacchanalia, which received James Beard nominations in 2014 and 2015. According to a press release, Chef Blackmon’s cooking style “focuses on sustainability techniques using preservation and fermentation.” 655 2nd Ave. S, St. Petersburg. Rococosteak.com
Popular review website Yelp just dropped 2023’s “Tampa Bay’s Top Places to Eat” list—and its chock full of local institutions like Mazzaro’s, Pia’s and On Swann alongside newcomers such as Himes Breakfast House and Flan Factory, plus popular vegan spots like Vine Vegan and Florish. “From Mediterranean and Cuban restaurants to plant-based favorites and cafes, these locally loved spots are sure to satisfy your cravings,” Yelp writes in its introduction. “This list highlights 50 local businesses, including Box of Cubans, Oxford Exchange, Florish, and Mio’s Grill, just to name a few.” Riverview-based concept Box Of Cubans snagged the list’s number one spot.
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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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