Mother’s Day specials, American Craft Beer Week kickoff, pasta class and more! by Juliette Cassistre Wednesday, May 9: Cru CellarsSample 15 — 20 rose-colored wines (and get rosy cheeks) at Cru’s First Rose Party. These “dry, elegant and expressive” wines are in bloom for the spring and summer seasons.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

The downtown staple defines, endures and improves. by Brian Ries On a recent trip to San Francisco, while walking down Divisadero and soaking in the massive waves of cool weather and hip culture, I happened on Fly Bar and Restaurant. The sister restaurant of downtown Tampa’s Fly, both owned by Tampa-native Leslie Shirah, was cool and cozy, with a menu devoted to a few interesting appetizers, salads and pizzas.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this [...]

The juice is loose by Juliette Cassistre As temperatures continue to climb, refreshing beverages become increasingly appealing. Rather than reach for unhealthy sodas or sugar-filled lemonade, why not try some fruit and vegetable juice?… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Cinco de Mayo happenings, National Hoagie Day and Blueberry Festival! by Juliette Cassistre Wednesday, May 2: Lykes Gaslight Square Park (Food Truck Fiesta)Head to the park on your lunch break, and satisfy your food truck craving at Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta. Mayor Bob Buckhorn will participate in this fiesta.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Celebrate May 5 with these great food and drink specials. by Juliette Cassistre Mexican or not, chances are you will declare yourself Mexican on May 5. Tampa may not be the “Cinco de Mayo capitol” of the U.S.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

The new location is a public house for modern Ybor. by Brian Ries Editor’s Note: Brian Ries made factual errors in his original reporting on the menu at the James Joyce Pub. Those passages have been struck through in the review below.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Love your team and a good meal? These restaurants cater to the aficionado in all of us. by Juliette Cassistre Now that baseball season is here (go Rays!), the NBA playoffs are tipping off, and the NHL post-season is in full melee, there are many options to keep sports fanatics glued to their televisions. What better way to catch a big game than to be surrounded by fellow fans?… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this [...]

Why go out for tapas when you can make stewed chickpeas with chorizo in your own kitchen? by Katie Machol Tapas (or “small plates”) have been a popular restaurant trend for quite some time now; the fad of ordering multiple small plates filled with smoky chorizo, spicy tomato sauce and garlicky shellfish (to name a few) for sharing with tablemates is still going strong. Plus, they’re a great way to try an array of dishes without having to order huge [...]

Our resident cooking expert offers these tips for timid chefs. by Cristian Feher A bead of sweat trickled down the side of Susan’s face as she focused painfully on her task. The severity of the situation was well understood.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

From downtown to I-275, there’s options aplenty in St. Petersburg. by Juliette Cassistre St. Petersburg’s Fourth Street and Martin Luther King Street corridors (running from just north of downtown all the way up to I-275 in the “Gateway” area) has become a major hotspot for restaurants of all types. From sushi to seafood to sweet treats, if you’re craving it, chances are you’ll find it hidden among the apartment complexes and strip malls of northeast St. Petersburg.… [ Read more [...]