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NEWS: 10th Annual Shopapalooza coming November 30th and December 1st to St. Pete

More than 225 local businesses are taking over Vinoy Park in Downtown St. Petersburg for LocalShops1’s 10th Annual Shopapalooza Festival on Saturday, November 30th and Sunday, December 1st. The family-friendly event features local art, local music, and the local vibe that makes St. Pete what it is.

Admission is free and open to the public. Guests who register before will be entered in a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. The event will benefit Chart 411 and Earth Day St. Pete.

“Shopapalooza Festival celebrates and spotlights the great independent businesses that make Tampa Bay such an amazing place. It gives consumers the opportunity to kick off the holiday shopping season by shopping locally!” says Ester Venouziou, LocalShops1 founder.

Venouziou has made it a mission to support local businesses for over a decade.

Kids being entertained at Shopapalooza.
Vendors at Shopapalooza

Vendor options include gourmet food products, home decor, handcrafted jewelry, clothing and accessories, health and beauty products, fair trade goods, vintage finds, pet treats and toys, books, candles and much more.

Food vendor at Shopapalooza.

The events will have “food hall” that features the following options in one spot:

  • Amy’s Spot
  • Buddy Brew Coffee
  • Callaloo
  • Churrolicious
  • Hot Pursuit Catering BBQ
  • Main Street Boys Empanadas
  • Mookie’s Kettle Korn
  • Pipo’s Cuban Cafe
  • Pop Goes the Waffle
  • Softee the King
  • Tasty Dogz
  • The Best Thai Food
  • The Fishin Chicken
  • The Tea Jug

Food options around the event include:

  • Emmy & J Roasted Nuts
  • Gateau OChocolat
  • iPop Gourmet Popcorn
  • JB’s Sweet Addiction
  • Lynn’s Ice Cream & Belgian Waffles
  • Melonhead Melonade
  • Skoops Italian Ice
  • Sunny Culture
  • Sweet Life Cupcakes
  • The Tea Jug (2nd location)
  • You Are the Hamster

The event is sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg. It’s sure to be a great time so make sure to go out and shop local.

For more information visit Shopapalooza online at shopapaloozafestival.com.

Event Name: 10th Annual Shoapalooza

Neighborhood: Downtown St. Petersburg

Venue: Vinoy Park

Address: 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Date & Time: Saturday, November 30th, 10AM-5PM, Sunday, December 1st, 10AM-5PM

Cost: Free to attend, Register early for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree

Registration: http://www.shopapaloozafestival.com/win-500.html

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Articles Beer Food Trucks News Restaurant News

NEWS: Red, White, and Brew this Saturday, November 9th at WestShore Plaza

Celebrate Veteran’s Day weekend at WestShore Plaza this Saturday, November 9th, 2019 from 3PM-8PM. Food trucks will be present including Vanchetta Food Truck, Jazzybgrille, and Mr. C’s Grilled Cheese. The event is free to attend and family-friendly.

Craft beer samples will be served from Coppertail Brewing Co. and 3 Daughters Brewing. Live music will be provided by The Petty Hearts & Fast4Ward on the Morgan Exteriors Stage.

Parents can enjoy a free kids area presented by Mathnasium.

Proceeds will benefit The Stano Foundation. The mission of The Stano Foundation is “to support our Armed Forces and Veterans through project based initiatives focused on enhancing their comfort and quality of life with a piece of home.”

Event Name: Red, White, & Brew

Venue: WestShore Plaza

Address: 250 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609

Date & Time: Saturday, November 9th, 2019, 3PM-8PM

Cost: Free to attend

Facebook RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/434775030415032/

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Articles Events News Restaurant News

NEWS: Whiskey Foxtrot this weekend at Epicurean Hotel Tampa – SOLD OUT!

The third annual Whiskey Foxtrot Tasting is this weekend at the Epicurean Hotel in South Tampa. Events are running most of week starting on Wednesday, November 6th. This year’s event is a celebration of women in whiskey.

Featured women include:

  • Nicole Austin, George Dickel Master Distiller
  • Erin Yesser, Edrington Ambassador
  • Natalia Cardenas, Woodford Reserve Ambassador
  • Jill Boyd, Compass Box Whisky Maker
  • Ingrid Rodriguez, WhistlePig Regional Manager and Steward of the Brand
  • Andrea Wilson, Michter’s Master of Maturation
  • Shayna Kaufman, Brown-Forman Brand Ambassador

Guests will sample more than 200 whiskeys and bites presented by some of Tampa’s top restaurants including Bern’s Steak House, Elevage, Big Ray’s Fish Camp, Nebraska Mini-Mart, Forbici, and more.

If you love whiskey, this event is one of the best ones I have ever had the chance to attend and highly recommend fans to watch.

Tickets are SOLD OUT. General Admission tickets are $95 per person and VIP is $175 per person. VIP includes an hour of early access and access to exclusive bottles, as well as a VIP cocktail lounge located at the EDGE rooftop bar with music, a cigar rolling station, and new this year – a Whiskey & Chocolate Lounge in the Epicurean Theatre.

Themed dinners from whiskey partners are also sold out. If you missed your chance to get tickets this year, make sure you grab them next year.

Event proceeds and opportunities to win will benefit Operation First Response, Jackson In Action 83 Foundation, and Southeastern Guide Dogs through the Laxer Family Foundation.

More information is available at whiskeytampafoxtrot.com

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Articles News Restaurant News

NEWS: Locale Market and FarmTable Cucina exiting Sundial St. Pete, Armature Works entering

After years of working to bring a mixed food concept to Downtown St. Pete, Celebrity Chef Michael Mina has sold Locale Market and FarmTable Cucina in the Sundial to Tampa-based Armature Works group BE-1 Concepts, which plans to change the space and surrounding businesses into a food hall with plans to open by late 2020.

Chef Michael Mina shared, “With so many other projects and opportunities in front of me, I felt now was the right time to pass the torch. I am beyond excited to see what Chas and his team have cooked up for this community.”

Chef Michael Mina is thought to be a powerhouse restaurateur with over 40 restaurants opened worldwide in large metropolitan cities such as San Francisco and Las Vegas.

Chef Michael Mina and Chef Don Pintabona at Locale Market.
Chef Michael Mina and Chef Don Pintabona.
Photo Credit: Locale Market

Locale Market was founded by Chef Michael Mina and Chef Don Pintabona and opened in December 2014. The concept will close five years later at the end of the holiday season in December 2019.

Former Tampa Bay Times Food Critic, Laura Reiley, reported back in 2015 that Chef Pintabona left St. Petersburg back to New York as soon as his one-year contract expired. Pintabona’s pedigree at Robert DeNiro’s Tribeca Grill was considered to be a big deal when Locale opened, but the concept never really seemed to take off despite many campaigns and changes. The team admitted to struggles between being a restaurant concept and a gourmet, locally-sourced market.

The biggest loss will be FarmTable Cucina upstairs that was recently finding ground with a new chef. Executive Chef, James Kirby, has worked hard to make the menu truly local in recent months as a former farmer himself.

BE-1 Concepts is also taking control of Jackie Z Style Co., Wellness Center at Sundial, D-Gallerie Fine Arts and additional vacant spaces on the lower level.

Armature Works in Tampa.

BE-1 Concepts owns numerous concepts in Tampa Bay and around Florida including Boca, Ciro’s Speakeasy, Atlanta Beer & Oyster, and Sea Critters Cafe. They also own Steelbach, BAR at Armature Works, Butcher N Barbeque, M.Bird, Cress and Stones Throw inside The Heights District.

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Articles News Restaurant News

NEWS: Italy Bottega food market and cafe coming to St. Pete’s EDGE District

Local urban development news site St. Pete Rising is reporting that Italy Bottega, an Italian food market and cafe, is coming soon to 1045 Central Avenue in Downtown St. Pete.

The official website is under construction for Italy Bottega and is located at italybottega.com.

More information as it becomes available.

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Articles Events News Restaurant News

NEWS: Dinner on the Lawn series coming to Armature Works November 14th

Armature Works is launching a Dinner on the Lawn series starting on November 14th from 6PM to 9PM with an Autumn Harvest dinner. Chef Nathan Hardin of Steelbach and James Beard Award-winning Chef Anne Kearney of Oak & Ola will headline the event.

Chef Nathan Hardin of Steelbach and Chef Anne Kearney of Oak and Ola.

Dinner will be enjoyed under the stars with a view of Downtown Tampa and the Hillsborough River.

Armature Works Dinner on the Lawn Flyer

Tickets to the event start at $155 and include 5 courses, 5 wine pairings, live music, and a pop-up dining experience under the stars.

Buy tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/dinner-on-the-lawn-a-steelbach-oak-ola-chef-inspired-dinner-tickets-75175904153

Menu:

Hors d’oeuvres

Pissaladiére- Provencal onion & anchovy tart, basil pistou

and

Liver Toast – Faux Foie, spiced pickles , chive, olive oil, Jamison B. sourdough

First course

Celeriac Remoulade, chilled griddled duck breast, roasted shallot-herb salad, Champagne vinaigrette

Second Course

NC Sunburst Trout – sweet potato, brown butter, mulled cider, fennel jam, burnt onion

Third Course

Grilled pork tenderloin, prune-tarragon farce, pork crepinette, griddled polenta, Armagnac braised shallots, prune demi reduction, Armagnac gastrique

Fourth Course

Bellwether Farms San Andreas, Autumn fruit compote, Jamison B toast

Sweetgrass Dairy Asher Blue, Whipped Kuespert Honey, Cornbread

Fifth Course

Tarte Tatin – Miso Caramel, Fuji Apple, Nikka Coffee Grain Ice Cream, Smoked Pecans

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Articles Events Food Events News Restaurant News

NEWS: Savor St. Pete festival coming November 2nd and 3rd

Savor St. Pete is bringing their food and wine festival to Downtown St. Petersburg on Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd at North Straub Park.

The event was previously known as Clearwater Beach Uncorked. It will be a showcase of Tampa Bay chefs, restaurants, breweries, and a wide variety of wines.

Savor St. Pete is sponsored by City of St. Petersburg, Publix, and Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater. The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club is the official hotel partner for the event.

“We look forward to creating an extraordinary level of excitement in the ‘Burg,’” said Tammy Gail, festival founder and producer. “We are bringing elements that will ramp-up the cool factor that SAVOR ST. PETE will feature.”

Tickets are now available for general admission on both Saturday, Nov. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 3. General Admission guests are welcome on-site from 1PM to 4PM. GA tickets are $75 per person per day.

All event guests receive a limited-edition wine glass, custom tote bag, and exclusive access to the Grand Tasting Village that is located within a 30,000-square-foot tent. 

Restaurant Partners:

  • Bavaro’s
  • BJ’s
  • Brio Italian
  • Bulla Gastrobar
  • The Library
  • Red Mesa Restaurant Group
  • Marchand’s Bar & Grill
  • Paul’s Landing
  • Roy’s
  • Sweet Charlie’s
  • The Birch & Vine
  • Watercolour Grill & House
  • Teak St. Pete

Wine, Brew, and Spirit Partners:

  • 3 Daughters Brewing
  • 19 Crimes
  • Bacardi
  • Big Storm Brewing Co.
  • Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer
  • Bonanza California
  • Casamigos Tequila
  • Cayman Jack
  • Conundrum
  • Chateau St. Jean
  • Days of Youth Wines
  • Des Amis Napa Valley
  • Deutsch Family
  • District 7
  • Don Ramon Tequila
  • FitVine
  • Fleurs de Prarie
  • Florida Beer Co.
  • Folktale Winery & Vineyard
  • Four Roses Bourbon
  • Francis Ford Coppola Winery
  • Golden Winery
  • Islamorada Beer Company
  • Josh Cellar
  • Justin Vineyards & Winery
  • Keel & Curley Winery
  • Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
  • Landmark Vineyards
  • Matua
  • Mer Soleil
  • Metz Road
  • Ole Smoky
  • Pusser’s Rum
  • Ranch 32
  • Ron Barcelo
  • Ryder Estates
  • San Sebastian Winery
  • Scheid Family Wines
  • Sea Sun
  • Shaw
  • Stella Artois
  • Stella Rosa Wines
  • Stephen Ross Wine Cellars
  • Sterling Vineyards
  • Stokes’ Ghost
  • Tito’s Vodka
  • Two Henry’s Brewing Co.
  • Two Henry’s Hard Cider
  • VDR
  • White Claw
  • Ziami
  • Ferrari Carano
  • Vida de Louie Tequila
  • Manifest Distilling
  • Island Grove Wine Company
  • St. Petersburg Distillery
  • Banyan Reserve Vodka
  • Tippler’s
  • Old. St. Pete
  • Tanqueray
  • Washington State Wine
  • Redemption Rye
  • Swamp Head Brewery

Follow Savor St. Pete on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The event hashtag is #SavorStPete. 

Event Name: Savor St. Pete

Venue: North Straub Park

Address: 400 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Cost: $75+

Ages: 21+

Buy tickets: http://www.freshtix.com/events/savor-st-pete

Website: http://savortheburg.com/

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Articles Restaurant News

NEWS: Yum Yum Hot Pot AYCE opening soon in Temple Terrace

It would seem that interest in hot pot in Tampa right now is on fire! Yum Yum Hot Pot AYCE is opening soon in Temple Terrace just minutes from USF and Tampa’s Uptown. Jennifer Will shared the news with that I can now confirm after a post about Nine Spices Hot Pot potentially coming to Fowler Avenue.

Yum Yum’s application for a license is still in progress.

73326793_410038853015985_8119736944121872384_n.jpg

The business hasn’t posted anything yet on the social media channels it has up but their Facebook description reads: “All you can eat Hot Pot Restaurant. You cook all the fresh foods to your own liking with no grease. New dining experience await(s) you.”

Owner Cuong Chau says Yum Yum Hot Pot is still a few weeks away from completion.

yum yum hot pot tampa - Google Search.png

The owners have also already been added to Google Maps. The location is next to Shapes Gym at 11301 North 56th street Unit #6  Temple Terrace, Florida 33617

The official site is yumyumhotpotayce.com.

Exciting times in Tampa. More information as it comes in.

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Articles Restaurant News

RUMOR: Nine Spices Hot Pot expanding to Tampa’s Uptown near USF (UPDATED)

Update: The owners from Nine Spices Hot Pot in St. Petersburg have reached out to say they are not affiliated with the new HotPot BBQ on Fowler Avenue.

The license for the business says 9 Spices Hot Pot, but the location in St. Petersburg is actually “Nine Spices Hot Pot“. It is a very bizarre coincidence. 

A new hot pot place has appeared on Fowler Avenue near USF and Tampa’s Uptown called HotPot BBQ.

There isn’t much online for it yet, but the license for the location points to Nine Spices Hot Pot in St. Petersburg as the owners of the location and this spot is in the old Hong Kong House spot in front of M.D. Oriental Market at 1120 East Fowler Avenue Tampa, Florida 33612.

Licenses:

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Articles Restaurant News

NEWS: We Are Poke organic-focused restaurant now open in South Tampa

Full disclosure: I was invited to We Are Poke to check out their concept. I received a complimentary meal during my visit to taste the menu. All opinions listed in this article are my own and do not reflect the business or affiliates.

Poke restaurants are taking Tampa by storm and the popular trend shows no sign of slowdown yet. It seems that a new poke spot is opening almost every few weeks. We Are Poke is one of the latest restaurants to enter the scene with a focus on organic fruits and vegetables.

The owners are from Tahiti and wanted to bring some of their favorite food to Tampa diners. I stopped by over the weekend to check it out and found they offer both poke bowls with tuna, salmon, tofu, or chicken and also dessert bowls with yogurt or fruits.

The prices were fairly reasonable at around $10 for a bowl of poke and less than $8 for dessert bowls. Pricing organic food at those levels may prove making a profit quite difficult for the business owners. I think people are willing to pay extra for organic as long as it is well communicated by the concept.

One of the most noticeable things during my visit was the quality of the organic vegetables which tasted far superior to what I am used to a poke spots around town. Hopefully the quality will be maintained as they grow.

The location of the cafe is about the size of what you would expect for a tea shop or small cafe and they are located right next to a smoke shop across the street from Japanese Kitchen Dosunco. Parking is limited so plan ahead.

Restaurant Name: We Are Poke

Neighborhood: South Tampa

Cuisine: Poke, Dessert

Address: 3309 W Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609

Phone Number: (813) 353-0355

Cost: $

Menu: http://www.wearepoke.com/menu

Website: http://www.wearepoke.com/