CL HighBall Another Round This Thursday!

May 8, 2017 Carlos H.Leave a comment

Looking to start your summer off with some of the best cocktails in town?

Local newspaper Creative Loafing is bringing their CL HighBall cocktail competition to Tampa this Thursday, May 11th from 7PM to 10PM at the Rialto Theatre in Tampa Heights next to Foundation Coffee and Hidden Springs Ale Works brewery.

Over a dozen restaurants and bars from both sides of Tampa Bay will feature unlimited craft cocktails with vodka, whisky, rum, or gin for this summer event and be competing to win the title of “Tampa Bay’s Best Cocktail”.

The winning cocktail will be featured later this year at CL’s Best of the Bay Awards Party in September.

Tickets are $25 in advance for General Admission and $40 at the door. VIP tickets are available for $50 in advance and $80 at the door if available. VIP includes an extra hour of sampling and VIP-only appetizers from Casey’s Craft Bar Kitchen.

This event is for participants ages 21+ only.

Buy tickets: http://bit.ly/2qLcNM6

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ybor City Museum Society. The Ybor City Museum Society is committed to “its mission of preserving, promoting and celebrating the unique cultural heritage of Ybor City, one of only three National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida”. Learn more about the society at ybormuseum.org

Here is a video from the fun in St. Pete earlier this year:

Event Name: CL HighBall Another Round

Venue: Rialto Theatre

Address: 1617 N. Franklin St. in Tampa

Date & Time: Thursday, May 11th, 2017 7PM to 10PM

Ages: 21+ only

Buy Tickets: http://bit.ly/2qLcNM6

Website: http://www.cltampa.com/highball

Facebook RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/406121439767056/

Food Events

Festa Italiana 20th anniversary this weekend!

April 6, 2017April 6, 2017 Carlos H.Leave a comment

Festa Italiana will celebrate their 20th anniversary this weekend in Ybor City.

The opening event, Wines of Italy, has already taken plan and the weekend will bring plenty of delicious feasts and events on Saturday with the main event happening Sunday, April 9th, at Centennial Park from 11AM to 6:30PM.

Over 35 of Tampa Bay’s top restaurants will participate in the festival. Italian singer, Zucchero, will headline the cultural food and wine festival on Sunday. Proceeds will benefit the Italian Club Restoration Fund.

The Italian Club was founded in 1894 that was created to unite the Italian community in Tampa to overcome social and economic challenges when they first arrived in the area. The mission of the group is to preserve and honor the culture, traditions, and heritage of the Italian community and maintain the historical facility as a memorial to the working class immigrants.

Tickets can be purchased online via Eventbrite: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/festa-italiana-the-main-event-20th-anniversary-feat-zucchero-tickets-29982099266

Children ages 12 and under are FREE to the main event. Centennial Park is located at 1800 East 8th Avenue Tampa, FL 33605.

Food Events · Restaurant News

Ciccio’s Gasparilla Brunch & Brews – 1/28

January 23, 2017 Carlos H.Leave a comment

This Saturday, January 28th, is Gasparilla and Ciccio/Water is celebrating with a special event called Ciccio’s Gasparilla Brunch & Brews from 10AM-2PM at 1015 South Howard Avenue. Guests will also enjoy a live DJ set.

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The event will feature a $35 All-You-Can-Eat-And-Drink Beer & Brunch celebration. Cash only. Tickets can only be purchased at the door. Parking will cost $20 with limited spaces available.

Don’t forget your pirate gear!

Use #TurnTampaTeal to score a FREE drink at the party.

Proceeds will benefit The Teal Recovery Project, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that focuses on fundraising, educating, and empowering women battling cervical cancer.

Event name: Ciccio’s Gasparilla Brunch & Brews

Date & Time: Saturday, January 28th, 2017, 10AM-2PM

Address: 1015 South Howard Avenue Tampa, Florida 33606

Cost: $35 to attend, $20 parking, Cash-only

Facebook RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/1773892346265765/

Dining Guide · Food Events

New Year’s Eve 2017 Dinner at Ox & Fields Restaurant

December 18, 2016 Carlos H.1 Comment

Celebrate the coming 2017 New Year in food paradise with Ox & Fields Restaurant + Bar on December 31st, 2016 from 4PM-11PM. There will be two pricing options to choose from: Enjoy a 4-course dinner for $50 without beverages or upgrade to a wine pairing with your 4-course meal for $75.

Here is the menu for NYE 2017:

Amuse Bouche:
Chef Selection Small Bite

First Course: (Choice of)
“Steak and Eggs”: Ox-braised Short Ribs, Grits, Poached Egg, Natural Jus
Tuna Crudo: House-cured Vegetables, Sesame Crisp, Citrus-Shoyu Reduction
Cremini Caps: Tofu Stuffed Baby Portobello, Scallion Emulsion
Pairing: 99 Rosas Chardonnay-Viognier 2015

Second Course: (Choice of)
Fork and Knife Caesar: Romaine, Tomato Confit, Garlic Buerre Custini, House-made Caesar
The Fields Salad: Heirloom Tomato, Gem Greens, Cucumber Ribbon, Sesame Crisp, Scallion Dressing
Pairing: Michael Lynch Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Intermezzo:
Chef Select Cheeses and Spreads
Pairing: Rose-infused Cocktail

Third Course: (Choice of)
Crisp Skin Snapper: Orzo Ragout, Asparagus, Oyster Mushroom, Miso Fumet
Coffee Crusted Hanger: Potato Mousseline, Braised Greens, Raibow Carrots, Rosemary Jus
Roasted Squash Ravioli: House-made Spinach Ravioli, Kale, Squash Ragout, Parmesan
Pairing: (Choice of) – Cote du Rhone Grenache-Syrah 2015; Red Puro Malbec-Cabernet 2015

Fourth Course: Dessert
Chocolate Cake, Stout Ganache, Berry Jam, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Pairing: Bubbles

Reservations can be made on OpenTable: http://www.opentable.com/r/ox-and-fields-reservations-tampa?restref=342361

Articles · Dining Guide

Things To Do New Year’s Eve 2017 in Tampa Bay

December 18, 2016January 4, 2017 Carlos H.4 Comments

Looking for something to do for New Year’s Eve 2017 in Tampa Bay? I have you covered!

Anise Global Gastrobar: Ring in 2017 with craft cocktails, a buffet, champagne toast, and more in Downtown Tampa with some of the best bartenders in town.

Mastry’s Brewing Co.: If craft beer is your scene head over to Mastry’s Brewing Co. on St. Pete Beach for their Gatsby Gala this NYE.

Ox & Fields Restaurant + Bar: Enjoy a 4-course meal available with optional wine pairings at The Ox this NYE. Menu items such as Tofu Stuffed Baby Portobello, Roasted Squash Ravioli, and Crisp Skin Snapper make the list of options.

Pisces Sushi & Global Bistro: This Sushi Battle Tampa Bay 2016 winner will serve sushi all night on NYE as well as other goodies such as live music and a champagne toast.

Snobachi Handcrafted Ice Cream: This new Thai Ice Cream Roll shop in Ybor City will have it’s Grand Opening on New Year’s Eve – enjoy discounts all day long as they celebrate.

Food Events · Food Trucks

Riverview Food Truck Rally Friday – October 7th!

October 3, 2016October 3, 2016 Carlos H.Leave a comment

Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally. I have been compensated for my time and writing. Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally works with more than 100 food trucks and books them for events, corporate and private catering, among other things.

This Friday, October 7th, 2016 check out the Riverview Food Truck Rally from 5PM-9PM at Summerfield Crossings Golf Course located at 13050 Summerfield Blvd. Riverview, FL 33579. 10 food trucks will appear in Riverview for a night of local eats.

The event is presented by Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally. Sponsors include: Tax Happens LLC (Theresa Turner, CPA), KerinRealty (Kerin Clarkin), Riverview Our Town Inc, Summerfield Crossings GC (Jason Blanchard).

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Participating food trucks:

Beer · Food Events

Oktoberfest Tampa 2016 this weekend!

October 2, 2016October 6, 2016 Carlos H.Leave a comment

UPDATE: Due to Hurricane Matthew – Friday’s schedule is cancelled for Oktoberfest Tampa – However Saturday and Sunday will proceed and Friday VIP ticket holders will be able to use their tickets on Sunday. More info is available on their Facebook listed above.

The 7th Annual Oktoberfest Tampa will occur this upcoming weekend from October 7th to October 9th, 2016. Participants will celebrate German culture and enjoy entertainment and German food and beer on Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The event is presented by Goose Island Beer Company, Audi Tampa, and Are You Safe.

There will be daily Ceremonial Keg Tappings, Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest and Mustache competition on Saturday, and some good ol’ chicken dancing every day.The event is family-friendly and pet-friendly. Oktoberfest Games are FREE to play for all.

Sponsors include Goose Island, Audi, Coppertail Brewing Co., Creative Loafing Tampa, Pepin Distributing, Barrymore Hotel, Victory Brewing Co., Tampa Bay Metro Magazine, Jack Bernstein, The Eagle 107.3, and Aloft Tampa.

Get Tickets

Tickets are on-sale and are $10 for 1 day General-Admission and $25 for Weekend General Admission passes, plus applicable fees. Buy GA tickets: http://bit.ly/2dzH4DB

VIP tickets range from $100-$150 and includes a commemorative Oktoberfest stein, no lines, complimentary refills on beer, wine, or pop, König’s Feast (full-plate of food plus a pretzel), table-side service (food delivered to you), air-conditioned VIP restrooms, VIP box office, a VIP shade tent with private bar, VIP concierge, and bottle service.

Use promo code CARLOSEATS and get $10 off VIP at Oktoberfest Tampa. Buy VIP tickets: http://www.oktoberfesttampa.com/vip

FREE ENTRY for any Military members (active or retired) & Tampa First Responders (TPD, TFD, EMS) and significant other — simply show proper ID at the front gate.

Event re-entry will be allowed at the event and wristbands will be tied to each day. Cash or Credit Card accepted on site (VISA, MC, AmEx, Discover) and ATMs will be on-site.

Food & Drinks

Beer will cost $5 a Half-Liter and $10 for a Liter. You must have a commemorative Stein in order to purchase 1 Liter.

Beer line-up:

Goose Island Oktoberfest
Blue Point Brewery Oktoberfest
Victory Brewing Company Festbier
Beck’s Brewery Pilsner
Oktoberfest Tampa Dunkel by Coppertail Brewing
Coppertail Brewing Co – Wheat Stroke
Tampa Bay Brewing Company – craft firkins (daily)
Hidden Springs Ale Works (frikin tapping Sunday)
O’Douls – cans

Wine:

Riesling (Chateau St. Michelle)
Gewürztraminer (Chateau St. Michelle)
Merlot (Clos du Bois)

Coppertail Brewing Co. will unveil a new beer at Oktoberfest Tampa – a German style dunkel.

Food will include a variety of traditional German food fare such as chicken schnitzel, traditional bratwurst, Sauerbraten (German-style pot roast), German pretzels, cucumber salad, traditional potato salad, sauerkraut, Spätzle, and a variety of bratwurst including Nurmberger Bratwurst, Frankfurter, Debreziner, and Currywurst.

Schedule:

Friday – 4PM-11PM

Saturday – 11AM-11PM

Sunday – 11AM-6PM

Event Name: Oktoberfest Tampa

Venue: Curtis Hixon Park

Address: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Date & Time: Friday, October 7th, 4PM-11PM, Saturday, October 8th, 11AM-11PM, Sunday, October 9th, 11AM-6PM

Cost: $10-$150, Kids ages 12 and under FREE

Website: http://www.oktoberfesttampa.com/

Twitter: @OktoberfestTPA #beerisgood

Facebook RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/1047043435347720/

Beer · Food Events

New Belgium Craft Beer Dinner @ World of Beer – Fowler

October 2, 2016October 2, 2016 Carlos H.Leave a comment

This coming Wednesday, October 5th, 2016, World of Beer – Fowler will host a New Belgium Craft Beer Dinner from 6PM-8PM. Guests will enjoy a 5-course meal paired with beer selections including:

Tuscan Hummus Plate, paired with Fat Tire Amber Ale
Korean Spicy Wings, paired with Citradelic Tangerine IPA
Spring Greens & Kale Salad, paired with Snapshot Tart Wheat
Chicken Enchilada Soup, paired with 1554 Black Lager
IPA Fresh Grilled Salmon, paired with Slow Ride IPA
Pumpkin Mousse, paired with Pumpkick Ale

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Tickets cost $40 per person and can be purchased anytime before October 5th. Tickets will cost $45 at the door. Space is limited so get your tickets today.

About New Belgium Beer: New Belgium is the fourth largest craft brewery as defined by the Brewers Association. An American craft brewer is small, independent and traditional. New Belgium currently sells beer in 45 states, the District of Columbia and British Columbia. In 2015, New Belgium Brewing sold 914,000 barrels of beer. All of New Belgium’s beer is brewed in Fort Collins, Colorado, although we are building a second brewery in Asheville, North Carolina that began brewing in the Spring of 2016.

Event name: New Belgium Beer Dinner

Venue: World of Beer – Fowler

Address: 2815 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33612

Date & Time: Wednesday, October 5th, 2016, 6PM-8PM

Phone: (813) 559-1530

Facebook RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/1773172042897135/

Food Events

Beer & Burger Throw Down this Saturday!

September 14, 2016September 14, 2016 Carlos H.Leave a comment

The Beer & Burger Throw Down is happening this Saturday, September 17th, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium (4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607) from 12PM-6PM. Over 15 restaurants and food trucks will be on-site selling $3 burger samples and full-sized burgers as well.

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Proceeds will benefit the Animal Coalition of Tampa, which aims to create a community where dogs and cats are safe and treated with respect and value. Participants will get to vote for the Best Burger and Best Brew of the Day.

Participating restaurants/vendors:

James Joyce
Eats! American Grill
Wow That’s Fresh
Square 1
Daily Eats
Carmel Kitchen
Prime 19 Grill
Bar Louie
4 Rivers Smokehouse
Freddy’s Steakburger
Mobile Peluso
Jimmy’s Slider Truck
Got Lobstah!
Georgia Big Boys BBQ

Tickets cost $10 and includes multiple craft beer samples and several free event features. Kids also get FREE admission. Buy tickets: http://conta.cc/2a5lkP4

Features at the event include an adult game zone, 2000 square foot kids fun area, custom built dog park, and college football screening.

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Facebook RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/529900380545318/

Sponsors include:

GTE Financial
Big Storm Brewing Co.
Rent King Nebraska
Tampa Bay K-9 Solutions
98 Rock
620 WDAE
Newsradio 970 WFLA
Morgan Exteriors, Inc.
Creative Loafing Tampa
ShoutOUT Tampa Bay
Carlos Eats

Food Events

Ybor City’s 1st Cookoff for Kids this Sunday

September 3, 2016September 3, 2016 Carlos H.1 Comment

Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Junior Chef’s of America. Junior Chef’s of America was created by Ybor City Food Tours, Inc. with the mission of finding a creative way to teach children how to have fun cooking healthier meals. Children learn math, science, English, and reading through cooking classes.

This Sunday, September 4th, 2016 head out for Ybor City’s 1st Cookoff for Kids from 10AM-5PM in Centennial Park located at 1800 E. 8th Avenue. The Cookoff will occur from 2PM-4PM with children ages 4-17 participating.

The event is FREE to the public and will feature live music and food vendors, including kid-friendly vendors that will be perfect for families. An all-kids rock band will be present as well as children motivational speakers.

The competition dish this year will be the Cuban Sandwich. Ybor City is known for hosting the annual National Cuban Sandwich Festival each year in the spring. The festival draws thousands of people every year and showcases traditional and creative Cuban sandwiches. Tampa is so well known for Cuban sandwiches that a restaurant opened in Seoul, South Korea called Tampa Sandwich Bar featuring our signature Cuban Sandwich.

Celebrity judges for the cookoff including Victor Padilla, owner of Cuban Sandwich Festival, Chef Gaston of Gaston Culinary, Ilya Goldberg, Ybor City Campus President. The MC for the event is Cloe Cabrera of Cabrera Communications. I will also be participating as a judge at the event!

There will be a fundraiser event tonight at Gaspar’s Grotto for Junior Chefs of America from 7-11PM including an open bar from 7-8PM – info: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/labor-day-weekend-party-tickets-27273215923?aff=es2

Check out their Daytime TV segment: http://wfla.com/2016/08/30/young-chef-cook-off/

See you at the Cookoff for Kids this Labor Day Weekend in Ybor City!

Event name: Ybor City’s 1st Cookoff for Kids

Venue: Centennial Park

Address: 1800 E. 8th Avenue Tampa, FL 33605

Date & Time: Sunday, September 4th, 2016, 10AM-5PM

Cost: FREE to attend

Website: http://www.juniorchefsofamerica.org/