Tag: Florida

National Bubble Tea Day: Where to Celebrate in Tampa

TAMPA, FL – National Bubble Tea Day is April 30. Wondering where to enjoy a delicious tea in the Tampa Bay area? The holiday was apparently created by Kung Fu Tea in 2018, according to National Day Calendar. My favorite shop today is actually in Orlando at Royal Tea. Here are some places that I personally enjoy in town.

One Zo Handcrafted Boba: One Zo is newer to the Tampa Bay area than some other shops. The tea shop has a number of green teas as well as some classics. Personally my favorite thing to get there is the Thai Tea or the Brown Sugar Milk Tea. It reminds me of popular spots in New York. Prices are pretty expensive, I can only afford to visit every once in awhile but One Zo is a treat. 10268 Causeway Blvd. Brandon, FL 33619

Green Island: The OG for people who live in the Brandon area. Green Island has withstood the test of time and although it might be more artificial like older bubble tea concepts, it does satisfy the sweet tooth. I like a number of their smoothies and am partial to their Thai Tea as well. It was originally a fun hangout spot with friends when I was in high school, but today is more of a spot where I take things to go and enjoy at home. 10047 E Adamo Dr. Tampa, FL 33619

Naga Tea: Naga Tea was once the new kid on the block, but is also now over 10 years old. The menu has also grown quite significantly since it opened, away from its original tea and fruit focused menu and more into a number of trends. I am still partial to Lemon Black Tea there though. It is just as refreshing as always. Multiple locations.

Annie Tea House: There really is no shortage of boba shops in the Brandon area and Annie Tea is one of my favorite places to go and hangout with a friend and enjoy some tea while catching up. The owner recently sold the concept, so I can’t say exactly how it is today but I like what they were doing. 1924 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511

Where do you like to drink boba? I know that there are so many places now that I have not tried.

Heritage Fire food experience coming to Tampa April 21

TAMPA, FL – Heritage Fire is bringing its food experience to Tampa on Sunday, April 21. Tickets include unlimited food and drinks as well as live entertainment. The experience will be held at Tabellas at Delaney Creek located at 5818 Causeway Blvd. Tampa is the first stop on the tour which will also visit Atlanta, Austin, Nashville, Napa (California), Los Angeles, Miami, and Charleston.

Tickets start at $125 for General Admission and $175 for VIP. VIP gives visitors 45 minutes of early access as well as a welcome drink and everything included in General Admission. Tickets can be purchased online at heritagefiretour.com. Event is rain or shine. All Heritage Fire destinations are 21 and older. A valid ID is required for admission. Anyone under the age of 21 will be refused entry and tickets will not be refunded.

The line-up of chefs and restaurants includes a wide-range of different chefs from around Tampa Bay that carry awards and recognition around the city. Participating chefs and restaurants:

  • Alexandre Gosselin – 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails
  • Joi Watson – 7th + Grove
  • Nick Ocando – Allelo
  • Phuoc Vo – CBK Catering & Events
  • Maria Lola Sierra – CW’s Gin Joint
  • Daniel Almodovar – Chef Almodovar – Private Dining and Hospitality Services
  • Drew Dimitrovski – Juno & The Peacock
  • Sean Brasel – Meat Market
  • Kadean and Laures Dockery – Our Noire Kitchen
  • Cameron Capri – Q Southern BBQ
  • Arturo Lo – Rusty Pelican
  • Rod Scott – Smokin’ Oak Wood Fired Pizza
  • Bryan Jacobs – The Liberty Smokehouse
  • Carlos Betancourth – Timpano Hyde Park
  • Jennifer Daskevich – Turn Bar and Grill

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 10 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics. Follow me on X @CarlosEats, Threads @CarlosEats, and Instagram @CarlosEats.

CAO Bakery & Café hosting Tampa Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting March 21

TAMPA, FL – Ready for a taste of South Florida in Tampa? CAO Bakery & Café, a growing Cuban cafe and bakery chain, is hosting its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony with the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, March 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 7616 W Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, FL. The Ribbon Cutting will be held promptly at 4:30 p.m.

The Tampa location is the 15th location opened by the franchise in just five years as the franchise looks to open dozens of new locations across Florida. This location is open from Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday form 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Online ordering for pickup or delivery is available using ToastTab.

CAO Bakery & Cafe

CAO Bakery & Café is named after the Cao family whose baking tradition spans three generations. The word, CAO, is also an acronym for Cuban American Original, which is reflected in their mission to provide best of Cuban baking in a warm and inviting café atmosphere. The menu includes plenty of empanadas, croquetas, and pastelitos. Desserts include cheesecake flan, arroz con dulce, bread pudding, tres leche, alfajores, and more.

CAO is one of South Florida’s fastest-growing Cuban bakery chain and has a reputation for being a community gathering place, which can be attributed to its generations-old family recipes enjoyed by loyal patrons including both neighbors and visitors alike. Owners have previously told QSR Magazine that they want to be known as the “Latin Starbucks.”

Stay updated on the latest news and events happening in Tampa with me at TampaTodayNews.com. Subscribe today!

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater celebrates Tampa Bay Beer Week with Gulf Coast Passport program relaunch

TAMPA BAY, FL – Visit St. Pete/Clearwater has announced a refreshed Gulp Coast Passport program in celebration of 2024 Tampa Bay Beer Week happening this week.

Re-launching today, the mobile passport helps guide visitors and residents in their journey to soak up the sun and delicious beer at 40 local Pinellas County breweries. The Gulp Coast Passport provides craft beer enthusiasts with great deals and discounts at participating breweries across Pinellas County by checking in with their mobile device.

Those who attain enough stops can grab a redesigned Gulp Coast t-shirt that commemorates your journey along the craft beer trail.

Check out the new passport today by visiting VisitStPeteClearwater.com/GulpCoast.

“This is without a doubt one of the most popular features of the St. Pete/Clearwater destination,” said Brian Lowack, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater President/CEO.

“Last year, we had more than 10,000 people take part in our passport program. Our local breweries love to share their craft with visitors and residents. With this new passport, we’re looking to continue to shine a light on a truly unique aspect of our destination – the Gulp Coast!”

St. Pete/Clearwater is home to a number of locally owned breweries, including Florida’s oldest microbrewery (Dunedin Brewery). VSPC says the best way to experience the locally brewed flavors is through the exclusive Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Gulp Coast Passport – a personal guide to St. Pete/Clearwater’s craft beer scene.

No matter where you are in St. Pete/Clearwater, there is a craft brewery nearby. Beer fans can enjoy locally crafted brews all across Pinellas County from Tarpon Springs and Dunedin in the North to Gulfport and St. Pete in the South and from Safety Harbor by the Bay to Indian Rocks Beach and the Gulf side communities.

Stay updated on the latest news and events happening in Tampa with me at TampaTodayNews.com. Subscribe today!

Qdoda Mexican Eats hosting grand opening for new location on March 6 in New Tampa

TAMPA, FL – Qdoba Mexican Eats, named “Best Fast Casual Restaurant” for five consecutive years in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, has announced its newest location at 17509 Preserve Walk Lane in Tampa, Florida now open. This marks the second restaurant owned and operated by Mike and Elizabeth Montante locally, in partnership with The Integritty Group (TIG), which also owns over 30 Qdoba locations across five states.

The Qdoba New Tampa location will be celebrating with a Ribbon Cutting by the North Tampa Chamber at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6. Grand opening attendees will enjoy queso samples, live entertainment, and a spin on the prize wheel for fun prizes. Follow on Instagram (instagram.com/integrittygroup) for all the details.

“We are excited to Introduce QDOBA to the New Tampa community,” said owner Mike Montante. “We look forward to becoming a beloved dining destination as well as your favorite catering choice in New Tampa and welcoming guests to enjoy our flavorful menu.”

Led by General Manager Ariann Riley, the team at the New Tampa location invites guests to enjoy the fun atmosphere, exceptional service, vibrant flavors, and customizable options that have made QDOBA a favorite among food lovers nationwide. “This is my 15th year working with the Montantes and I’m excited to open a second location with another great team,” said Riley.

Online orders can be placed at at order.qdoba.com. Exclusive deals and more information about QDOBA are available at qdoba.com. Catering is also available. find more information at qdoba.com/catering.

Stay updated on the latest news and events happening in Tampa with me at TampaTodayNews.com. Subscribe today!

Ten Rooms releases renderings and details on new Ybor City multi-experience concept

TAMPA, FL – Ten Rooms, a multi-experience concept, will be opening this spring in Ybor to feature upscale dining, two bars, a retail shop, café and more. The partners behind the project are Ro Patel, a Tampa Bay food & beverage veteran known for Ciro’s Speakeasy, Anise Global Gastro Bar and more, and Zach Pace, experienced restaurant operator and sommelier who has been involved with two highly praised San Francisco restaurants: Lazy Bear, a renowned two-Michelin star institution, and Aphotic, which he helped open and gain a Michelin star and the rare Green Star – a mere three months after opening in 2023.

With Ten Rooms, Ro and Zach will offer top-tier cuisine and hospitality in one of the most storied buildings in the neighborhood, El Centro Español de Tampa, which was originally constructed as a clubhouse in the early 1900s. The owners hope it will become a new hotspot in Ybor City for dining, drinking and shopping, helping to grow Tampa as a food destination.

The multiple components of Ten Rooms include:

  • Bar Martinez, a bar and restaurant specializing in American fine dining and featuring southeastern and European influences. The name honors Vicente Martinez Ybor, the city’s founder, and is a nod to the Martinez cocktail, the precursor to the modern-day Martini. The menu will feature a dry-aged beef program as well as culinary partnerships with farms and ranches across the state, region and country.
  • Genevieve the Cat, a sister bar space featuring cocktails on tap crafted by Founder & Managing Partner Ro Patel.
  • The Shop at Ten Rooms, a boutique retail and art destination featuring rotating vendors, resident artists, unique gifting, specialty items and lifestyle goods.
  • The Café at Ten Rooms, a modern daytime coffee shop and bakery serving pressed juices, French baked goods and cravable savory bites from morning to afternoon.

More information will become available soon including an opening date.

Stay updated on the latest news and events happening in Tampa with me at TampaTodayNews.com. Subscribe today!

‘Mr. Worldwide’ Pitbull to perform at DAYTONA 500 pre-race show on Feb. 18

DAYTONA, FL – Daytona International Speedway has announced that Armando Christian Pérez, also known as Pitbull, will kick-off the Great American Race on Sunday, Feb. 18 by performing the pre-race show on the ballfield.

“There’s no better way to get the energy flowing than with Pitbull performing our pre-race concert for the Daytona 500,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher.

“Pitbull has continued to release major hits for over a decade and has shown tremendous longevity as an artist over the years. He’ll bring all the South Florida vibes and culture up here to put on quite the show for the 66th running of The Great American Race.”

Pitbull announced the next iteration of the “TRACKHOUSE” album series, set for release in February. The lyrics and cover of the EP titled “TRACKHOUSE: Daytona 500 Edition” reflect key elements of NASCAR’s biggest race. Pitbull joined Trackhouse Racing as a co-owner in 2021, connecting the world of music and racing to unite and inspire fans globally.

“It’s an honor to once again be part of the Great American Race, this time performing at the Daytona 500,” said Trackhouse team co-owner Armando Christian Perez (Pitbull).

“So Everyone start your engines, Get Ready and Dale!”

“Mr. Worldwide” has earned 46 total awards throughout his career, sold 25 million studio albums, has over 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and passed 18 billion YouTube views. Most recently his Billboard Hot 100 global hit “Give Me Everything,” featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer surpassed 1 Billion streams on Spotify, his third record to join Spotify’s billion streams club.

Pitbull will continue touring with fellow artists Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin on The Trilogy Tour during the first part of 2024.

The fun starts on Wednesday, Feb. 14, with DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light determining the front row for the DAYTONA 500. Then on Thursday, Feb. 15 the Bluegreen Vacations Duel will occur, where drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series battle for a chance to race on Sunday.  

Friday, Feb. 16 sees the return of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in the Fresh From Florida 250. Then a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 17, with the ARCA Menards Series Race, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 300.

Sunday, Feb. 18 directly following Pitbull’s performance, drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series will make their 2024 season debut in the 66th running of the DAYTONA 500 at 2:30 p.m. EST. 

The concert will take place on pit road, visible from the grandstands, but fans with a Hard Rock Bet Fanzone Pass can watch Pitbull’s set up-close. Fans can still purchase the Infield Admission and Hard Rock Bet Fanzone Access Package, even without grandstand admission, which also grants access to driver and VIP appearances, a glimpse into the NASCAR Cup Series garages, up-close access to driver introductions and more.

Fans who have already purchased a grandstand admission to The Great American Race can upgrade to include Hard Rock Bet Fanzone access to their experience. Fans are encouraged to reserve their place in history during Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth by logging onto DAYTONA500.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Additionally, fans can buy or sell reserved seats for the DAYTONA 500 by visiting SeatGeek, the Official Ticket Marketplace of NASCAR. 

Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest 2024 Grand Marshal and Community Hero

TAMPA, FL –  Tampa Bay native and top stand-up comedian Bert Kreischer will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest this Saturday, Jan. 27.

The 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest in Tampa, will feature the Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival presented by Bud Light and 101 N. Meridian Apartment Homes.

“There’s no better person who embodies the pirate culture and a love of Tampa than the one and only Bert Kreischer. What a delight to have Bert serve as the 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest Grand Marshal!” said Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Captain Truett Gardner.

“All I have to say is look out Tampa Bay! We look forward to Bert’s energy and hometown pride to lead this year’s festivities for a lively crowd along Bayshore Boulevard.”

Bert Kreischer, once dubbed Rolling Stone’s “Number One Partier in the Nation,” is a 2023 Pollstar top-grossing stand-up comic, JUST FOR LAUGHS Stand Up Comedian of the Year, and the star of a recent major motion picture, “The Machine.” Razzle Dazzle, his 5th stand-up special, has charted in the top 5 stand-up specials on Netflix and has been accompanied by at least one of his other three specials in the top 20 since its debut.

He returns to his hometown of Tampa after his recent sold-out show at Amalie Arena, hailed as “one of the best storytellers of his generation, seamlessly and sincerely sharing anecdotes about his family and fatherhood while proving that there’s a way to take his [party-boy] antics into middle age.”

In addition to his stand-up, Kreischer is also a prolific podcaster and the creator and host of the popular YouTube cooking show Something’s Burning, which has over 25 million views on the platform. Kreischer founded Berty Boy Productions, the production home for his video and podcast projects and the Fully Loaded Comedy brand, and is currently on the Tops Off World Tour.

Beginning at 2 p.m., Kreischer and Caldwood will lead more than 115 parade floats, 53 krewes, seven marching bands, and the infamous Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla pirates down a four-and-a-half-mile parade route along Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard. 

2024 Community Hero Roy J. Caldwood is a World War II US Army “Buffalo Soldier” who served in the 92nd Infantry Division Reconnaissance Troop 2nd Platoon. He became a medic during the war in the 92nd Infantry Division, the only Black Infantry Division in WWII deployed for combat in Europe. He earned a Bronze Star for his heroic actions when he volunteered to remain in a village under eminent German attack to aid a sick Italian man. After the war, Caldwood pursued a career with the New York City Department of Corrections, where he worked for over 21 years as an Assistant Deputy Warden and Program Director at Rikers Island.

He received multiple awards, including the New York City Commissioner’s Award for Bravery in 2001 and the New York City Department of Correction Guardian Association Medal of Honor, Valor & Merit in 2016. Now 101 years old and a proud Tampa Bay resident, Caldwood is an author, a community justice advocate, a proud member of Grace Episcopal Church Tampa, and an honorary member of the Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club of Tampa. 

“Mr. Roy Caldwood’s bravery and compassion is the definition of a community hero,” said Steve Bonner, President of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. “His belief that there is good in all human beings and his desire to make a positive impact should be an inspiration to all of us. Even at 101, Mr. Caldwood continues to serve as a community justice advocate and share his learnings with as many people as possible. We’re grateful for the opportunity to recognize his longstanding service and history in our community and worldwide.” 

The Florida Cane Distillery shutting down Ybor tasting room after tourism decline, shootings

TAMPA, FL – Florida Cane Distillery is shutting down its Ybor City tasting room at 1820 N 15th St. The announcement, which was made on social media, comes as businesses in Ybor City suffer from decreased foot traffic after a Halloween shooting spooked locals and led to a rapid decline in business in the area. The business also blamed falling tourism in the Sunshine State. The shutdown could be the beginning of more to come without action from leaders.

This will be the last weekend of business for the distillery tasting room in Ybor City which was in operation for over a decade. The final hours will be Thursday, Jan. 11, from noon to 10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 12, from noon to 10 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 13, from noon to 10 p.m.

A statement from the distillery on Facebook reads: “It’s with heavy heart that we have made the decision to close our Tasting Room here in Ybor City. The constant decline in Florida Tourism, coupled with the closing of so many other Ybor music venues/bars/restaurants and the recent shootings have pushed us to this decision. This weekend will be your last chance to buy directly from us in our Tasting Room. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you all for supporting us these past 12 years. Although we are saddened by having to close to the public it’s been such a great joy to host all of you in our tasting room, on our behind-the-scenes tours, and hands-on whiskey classes – this was only possible because of your loyal support. Thank you!”

Florida Cane and its owners have been major players in helping to relax Florida’s distillery laws and faced an uphill climb since creating their business. Products from the distillery are now in over 100 businesses including restaurants, amusement parks, and liquor stores throughout the state.

Stay updated on the latest news and events happening in Tampa with me at TampaTodayNews.com. Subscribe today!

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Tourism Bureau Receives Multiple Awards

LARGO, FL – Visit St. Pete/Clearwater (VSPC) has been recognized with four Adrian Awards for travel marketing excellence from Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) across a variety of Marketing, Digital Advertising, and Public Relations categories.

VSPC received four tourism received awards for Gulf to Bay Destination Magazine including Silver Adrian (Advertising Print Collateral category), BarbieCore – Silver Adrian (PR Consumer Campaign category), Like a Local Influencer Campaign – Bronze Adrian (Advertising Influencer Marketing category) and The Ultimate Cheat Meals of St. Pete – Bronze Adrian (Digital Video category).

Now in its 67th year, the HSMAI Adrian Awards are considered the largest and most prestigious competition in global travel marketing, recognizing hospitality brands and agencies for creativity and innovation in advertising, digital, public relations/communications, and integrated campaigns.

The HSMAI Adrian Awards embraces every segment of the industry, including hotels, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, destinations, and more. Winners are selected from a field of nearly 1,200 entries.

Additionally, publishers of ConventionSouth, the national multimedia resource for planning events in the South, have presented Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Meetings Team with a 2023 Annual Readers’ Choice Award.

Since its creation in 2001, this is the third time the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Meetings Team has received the award. Visit St. Pete/Clearwater is featured in the December 2023 Awards Issue of ConventionSouth magazine.

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater was also selected as a 2023 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award winner by Smart Meetings. Industry professionals and Smart Meetings readers cast votes to select the honorees for the top-rated hotels, venues, and CVBs in the hospitality industry that exhibit the highest standards of service and amenities.

“We are proud to see the work of so many members of our team recognized with these awards,” said Brian Lowack, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater President/CEO.

“We appreciate the contributions of our destination partners to make this possible and we look forward to continuing to promote visitation to our beautiful slice of paradise. Beyond our beaches – which are annually ranked among the top in the country, the St. Pete/Clearwater destination continues to grow and provide an array of experiences for all ages and all varieties of travelers.”