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NEWS: Cuban Sandwich Festival coming to Kissimmee Saturday March 7th

The 5th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival is coming March 7th to Kissimeee on Saturday, March 7th, 2020 from 11AM to 6PM. The event is presented by FORD. The event is free and family-friendly.

The festival will occur at Xentury City Center located at 2925 International Drive in Kissimmee, Florida 34747 (East of I-4, off of 192 and International Drive).

Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla, Co-Founder of the International Cuban Sandwich Festival, shares:

“The Biggest Cuban Sandwich in the World will be made, 190 feet of deliciousness and the BEST Cuban Sandwiches in Central Florida will compete for the chance to make it to the FINALS where they will have a chance to win the GOLDEN TICKET to compete in the WORLD FOOD Championships”.

Event organizers will attempt to make the “Biggest Cuban Sandwich in the World” with a goal of 190 feet. The sandwich will be distributed to help feed the homeless.

Participants will include businesses from Metro Orlando, Kissimmee and Central Florida. Restaurants will compete for the title of “Best Cuban Sandwich” in Central Florida.

Live music will include Johnnie Rivera -Vaya DJ, Revelacion Salsera, and Orchestra FUEGO.

I will be a judge at the event, I have been judging the Cuban Sandwich Festival since it began years ago in Tampa’s historic Ybor City.

The Tampa fest will occur on March 29th, 2020. Tampa created the iconic Cuban Sandwich and no amount of bickering from Miami changes the fact that Miami was a swamp when it was created.

Other judges include Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry, City Commissioner Olga Gonzalez, Executive Director of Downtown Kissimmee Diana Marrerro-Pinto, Publisher of Osceola Star Guillermo “Bill” Hansen, Marytza Sanz, President/CEO/Founder of Latino Leadership, Carlos Guzman of the Puerto Rican Leadership Council.

Find more information online at thecubansandwichfestival.com.

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Articles News Restaurant News

NEWS: Armature Works hosting free viewing party for Downtown Tampa Lighted Boat Parade

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Armature Works continues to celebrate the holidays by offering a free viewing party for the Downtown Tampa Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday, December 21st, 2019 from 6:30PM to 9:30PM.

The free event will take place on the Riverfront Lawn just south of Armature Works along the Hillsborough River.

The annual parade has become one of Tampa’s signature holiday events featuring hundreds of festive aquatic vessels as the make their way down the Hillsborough River.

Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. The event is also pet-friendly.

Note: outside food, drinks, and coolers are not permitted at Armature Works.

Parking: Parking at Armature Works is free Monday through Thursday and Friday before 4PM, Saturday and Sunday mornings before 11AM. Parking at all other times is $5. In addition, there are over 400 street-side parking spots available. Valet is also available most event nights and weekends. For more information please visit armatureworks.com/parking.

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Articles cocktails Food Events

Celebrate 10 years of USBG Tampa Bay’s Repeal Day Gala on December 7th

The end of Prohibition (December 5th, 1933) has always been an important moment in the cocktail industry and this year marks 10 years that the U.S. Bartenders Guild (USBG) Tampa Bay has celebrated the occasion with their Repeal Day Gala.

This year’s gala will happen on Saturday, December 7th at The Cuban Club.

The theme is the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, an event that fell on the centennial anniversary of the city’s birth. The fair was about looking into the future of the world.

The event has grown from 35 people gathered in the Don Vicente Hotel’s basement speakeasy to a multi-floor event at The Cuban Club in Historic Ybor City.

Over the past three years, an average of 700 guests have been in attendance. Organizers share, “2019 is looking to be our fairest and most spectacular gala ever.”

The event is not only a gala for industry personnel and industry leaders in the cocktail world, Repeal Day now includes an educational component with seminars days before the party. Speakers from all over the nation come to enlighten others with their experiences and knowledge.

Tickets are available now and start at $100. Discounts are available for USBG members with proof of membership. They can be purchased online at EventBrite: http://bit.ly/2P5EKs2

The official website is located to at repealdayparty.com.

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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 Events

What’s happening this weekend in Tampa Bay? 11/1-11/3

Some cooler weather is finally upon us and festivals are everywhere. What’s happening this weekend in Tampa Bay?

  • Savor St. Pete: Clearwater Beach Uncorked has moved to Downtown St. Pete and is serving up food and drinks including wine, liquor, and beer on Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd. Tickets start at $75 for General Admission. 21+. 400 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
  • SouthShore Seafood & Arts Festival: Enjoy seafood, music, crafts, and more at a waterfront park in Ruskin this weekend. Over 15,000 people are expected to attend. Tickets start at $5. Family and pet-friendly. 2401 19th Ave NW, Ruskin, FL 33570.
  • Tampa Riverwalk Food + Art Festival: Downtown Tampa is having a food and art festival at Tampa Waterworks Park next to Ulele and Armature Works on Saturday, November 2nd from 10AM-7PM. 70+ vendors are expected to attend. Food trucks and live music will be present. 1710 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602.
  • Day of the Dead Block Party: The Dog Bar St. Pete is having a Día de los Muertos party on Saturday, November 2nd, from 11AM-6PM. The block party will have face painting by Nicole Desiree Hays of Body Wars, Nueva Cantina’s food truck, chihuahua races, DJ Shannon C, street vendors, a costume contest, raffle prizes, and more. 2300 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712.

Did I miss something? Reach out.

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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 Events Food Events News

Guide: Halloween 2019 in Tampa for Adults

This is a guest post by Brandie McCallum.

Remember the fun and excitement leading up to Halloween when you were small? Finding just the perfect costume, making plans with friends in hushed tones, and the anticipation of the sugar rush? All of that is can be yours again!

Grab your besties and get ready to find all the treats that come with being an adult in Tampa.

For those of you that have little ones and are planning a little family fun…head over to the Tampa Riverwalk for their annual Trick or Treat. Your kiddies get the excitement of trick or treating and you get a lovely stroll with a tasty beverage.

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Now, for those of you who are ready to find your spooky and are over 21…Downtown Tampa will not let you down! Don’t forget to haunt responsibly. ProTip: Use Uber or Lyft to avoid the hassle of parking or spending time with the Tampa PD.

Bizou Brasserie in the Le Méridien Tampa Hotel is ready to tantalize you with their Halloween goodies! The creative mixologists there are making sure you get all the treats and none of the tricks. Making it a mesmerizing start to your escapades.

Event link: http://www.facebook.com/events/440220863262678/

Maybe you and your ghouls want to haunt a few more spots? Grab your tickets for the annual Downtown After Dark Halloween party happening Saturday, October 26th from 10PM-2AM. For those over 21, the block party covers most of Downtown Tampa and each spot is ready to haunt you! Some featured bars include GenX Tavern, Four Green Fields, and Spain Restaurant Toma Bar.

Tickets: http://bit.ly/2oZhhjC

Is Downtown Tampa not your thing? No worries, there are few places that will haunt your evening. Starting with the delightfully haunted Plant Museum. Where you can connect with the dearly departed and delve into the eerie past, head over to the old Tampa Bay Hotel and join the team at the Henry B. Plant museum for a rare after dark visit.

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Or grab your Lyft and haunt Sparkman Wharf for an evening on the Haunted Wharf on Saturday, October 26th from 7PM-11PM! The event is free and open to the public with live performances and $5 parking at the garage nearby.

Haunting Armature Works is bringing in an orchestra on Wednesday, October 30th from 6:30PM-7:30PM that promises to be the largest in Florida to play for an hour. Fall under the spell of bewitching favorites like Saint-Saens’ Danse Macabre and Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain. Make sure to check out their events calendar for the other Halloween events!

This time of year, everyone questions which wine goes with M&M’s or is candy corn better with merlot or pinot grigio, Society Wine Bar is going to answer those questions for you! Join them for their annual wine and Halloween candy pairing evening at either location on October 30th from 7PM-9PM. RSVP is not required but strongly suggested.

Grab your wicked and wild friends to decide which haunted Tampa adventure will captivate your old Hallows Eve adventures. Mind your manners, watch for the ghosts that will be stepping out to join you while out for your thrills and chills! Don’t forget to tag us at Carlos Eats during your haunts.

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Articles Food Events

First Annual Ford’s Taste of Latino event recap

I stopped by the Taste of Latino today for their food festival for a few hours. Hundreds of people showed up for a beautiful Sunday in Historic Ybor City. One of the cool things about the event was the wide variety of people who showed up there. There was food from around Latin America including arepas, paella, empananas, flan, Cuban coffee, and more.

The event was organized by Latin Times Media and sponsored by Ford.

Here are some photos from the event:

Delicious paella from Nonna’s Artisan who went on to win one of the trophys for Top Latino Chef.

I didn’t plan to judge, but ended up judging after being asked to help. How could I say no?

This rice went really well with the flank steak and plantains, although it was a little dry on its own.

It wouldn’t be a Latin festival in Tampa without a Cuban Sandwich. Tampa is the home of the Cuban Sandwich and the organizers of Taste of Latino also plan the annual International Cuban Sandwich Festival every spring, which is a qualifier for the World Food Championships.

I tried these ceviche tacos from Las Palmas (winner of the Cuban Sandwich Festival) and they were pretty good. Plenty of spices.

Flan was one of my favorite things here. One of the highest scores I gave out. I love good flan.

Chef Aldo Mosquera was one of the winners for Top Latino Chef at the Taste of Latino. It wasn’t totally shocking since his paella and empanadas were delicious.

Like I said! Great stuff.

 

Categories
Articles Food Events

NEWS: Dunedin Stone Crab Festival this weekend

The annual Dunedin Stone Crab Festival is this weekend at Edgewater Park. The food festival is free to attend. 20 vendors will serve up stone crab dishes and a variety of seafood for attendees.

Proceeds will benefit Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP), whose mission is “to  break the cycle of homelessness for any individual or family who comes to us for assistance.” Find out more about HEP at hepempowers.org.

The event is organized by Olde Bay Café & Dunedin Fish Market.

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Offerings will include:

  • local stone crabs (Florida caviar)
  • fish tacos
  • burgers and hotdogs
  • ceviche
  • crepes
  • blue crabs
  • Maine lobster
  • shrimp
  • Mexican food
  • Thai and Vietnamese cuisine
  • BBQ

Arts and craft vendors will be around the event and there will be live music for attendees to enjoy. All ages are invited to attend and the event is pet-friendly as well.

Make sure to bring cash or you can use the ATM at the event (for a fee).

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Event Name: Dunedin Stone Crab Festival

Venue: Edgewater Park

Address: 51 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34698

Date & Time: Friday, October 18th, 5PM-10PM, Saturday, October 19th, 12PM-10PM

Cost: Free to attend

Facebook RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/1000507790338829/