Bay Bloggers

Welcome to the Visit Tampa Bay+  lifestyle blog!  As Tampa natives, we look forward to sharing with you all the great things to do and see in the Bay area so that you can get a little taste of life in Tampa.

From where to get the best Cuban Sandwich, to where you can find the finest Cigars, let us be your guiding light for all things Tampa. If you have any pressing Tampa related questions or issues you'd like to bring up, such as "What's the best way to get from Swann to Gandy on a rainy day with out a kayak?" or "Who is this elusive Jose Gaspar?" feel free to ask, we're here to answer.  

If you'd like to receive current content updates or just want to be in the know on things happening around the Bay then subscribe to the RSS feed by clicking on the link to the right.

In the meantime, we look forward to filling you in on life here in Tampa Bay so stay tuned for some great tips!

Tampa needs your vote!  As part of their Destination USA feature, CNN Travel is pitting the two political convention cities against each other – Tampa for the Republican National Convention and Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention.  

It’s time to get creative and tell your story about Tampa!  The winner will be selected based on the posts made in favor of each city. You can show the judges why Tampa deserves the title by submitting a photo, video or short message.

We all know Tampa is a great place to live, work, and play, and now it’s time to show the world.  You can submit your vote by clicking here.

That's all for now, but get to voting and be sure to check back for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay area events!

Greetings all! Jerm here to give you the lowdown on all things Mother's Day in Tampa Bay this weekend, and boy are there plenty of things for you to do and places to take mom!

In Tampa Bay this weekend, you definitely have your pick of Mother's Day brunches throughout the are at some of the Tampa Bay area's finest dining establishments! Here's a quick list of a few of them!

Mother's Day Brunches and Dining

• Aqua Bar & Grille - AQUA's fresh colors reflect the vibrancy of the cool ocean waters. Experience an environment designed to entertain your every sense, highlighted by a water encased walk-in wine cellar and a state
  of the art open kitchen. Website - Menu

• Boizao Steakhouse - Mother's Day at Boizao mean's $29.99 per person! Website

• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar -  Gather your family at Fleming's for a memorable Mother's Day celebration on Sunday, May 13th. They will be opening early for brunch at 11:30 am, but will have a $25 gift for your Mom no matter what time of day you choose to celebrate. Web Site

• ItalAsia - GREAT menu and VERY affordable at only $21.95 for adults and $10.95 for ages 6-12.  The menu is available on our new ItaliAsia. Web Site - Menu

• Roy's Hawaiian Fusion - Enjoy a  3-course Mother's Day Brunch starting at $29.95. All mom who dine will recieve a $20 dining card to use on their next visit.
  
  Web Site

• Yacht Starship - We’re celebrating Mother’s Day and the return of Florida’s Largest Dining Yacht in a BIG way! *The first 50 moms with parties of four or more cruise for FREE (Buy 3, Mom is free)! Call in reservations only! Offer not valid online. Restrictions apply. Subject to availability. 813-223-7999 Web Site
   
  Cruise Times
  Early Cruise                   Late Cruise
  Boards: 10:30 am           Boards: 2:00 pm
  Departs: 11:00 am          Departs: 2:30pm
  Returns: 1:00 pm           Returns: 4:30 pm
  
  Prices
  Adults: $44.95*
  Children: $29.95*
  *plus tax, port fee, and gratuity

Mother's Day Things to Do

• The Florida Aquarium - This Mother's Day treat mom to a sea of memories that she will never forget. Introduce her to our awe-inspiring Sand Tiger Sharks and over 20,000 other amazing sea creatures. Moms can enjoy free admission on May 12th and 13th with the purchase of a full paid admission. Web Site

• Henry B. Plant Museum - As our gift to all Mothers, free admission to the Henry B. Plant Museum on Mother's Day, May 13th! Bring your Mother to the Museum and let her escape to Victorian splendor at the former Tampa Bay Hotel. Web Site

• Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo - Bring mom to the Zoo for Mother’s Day and she gets in for free!  On Saturday, May 12 or Sunday, May 13, moms receive free admission with the purchase of their son’s or daughter’s full-priced admission ticket (paid ticket can be child or adult admission, as applicable). For moms to receive free ticket offer, the paid ticket must be purchased on May 12 or 13 only. Offer not combinable with other discounts. Web Site

• MOSI - May 7 & 8 - $5 Mother's Day.  Bring mom to MOSI on Saturday, May 7 or Sunday, May 8 and she gets in for only $5! Web Site

• Dinosaur World - Mom’s free on Mother’s Day (Mom receives free admission with a fully paid child admission) Web Site

• For more Mother's Day related things to do, be sure to check out 813 Area for more! Web Site

Hello there folks! Jerm here with a tasty update for you regarding an event goin on in downtown  Tampa this Friday!

Ever wonder who makes the best burger in Tampa Bay? Well I know I have, and in my quest to gain the the knowledge of who makes the best burger, I still am trying to find that perfect one! Well wonder no more I say as this Friday at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park!

Join us and top area restaurants in this annual bragging rights competition & fundraiser for naming the “Best Burger in Tampa Bay”, with all proceeds to support Friends of The Riverwalk in their efforts to complete and activate Tampa’s Riverwalk.

With Jack Harris (Fox Radio 970 WFLA) as Master of Ceremonies, and Mayor Bob Buckhorn our Honorary Grand Marshal, a celebrity culinary judging panel will award top honors at Burger Showdown 2012 including Best Burger in Tampa Bay and Best O-T-B (Other-Than-Beef) Burger! Burger Showdown attendees will vote (with included chip) on their favorite Burger; 2012 People’s Choice Award.

Some of the restaurants competing for the title are:

Ashley Street Grille
BGR The Burger Joint
Burger 21
Champion’s Sports Bar
Chili’s
Datz
Green Iguana
Square 1 Burgers
Stacked Burgers
…and more!

As you can see, this is gonna be a pretty amazing event folks, so I suggest you get your tickets asap! That's all for now, but stay tuned for more updates on Tampa Bay dining and things to do in Tampa Bay!

Check out the website for additional information and tickets! www.BurgerShowdown.org
Questions? Email: Info@BurgerShowdown.org or call EventFest: (813) 251-3378

Hey Folks! Here are some awesome things going on this weekend in Tampa Bay! Be sure to get out of the house and enjoy it all! We know we will!

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

98 Rockfest
98ROCK, Tampa Bay’s Rock Station, unveiled a line-up for 98ROCKFEST that will rock Tampa Bay on Saturday, April 28 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

This year’s impressive all-star lineup includes: Shinedown, Evanescence, Five Finger Death Punch, Halestorm, Trivium, P.O.D., Adelita's Way, Art of Dying, Otherwise and more (*artists subject to change). Tickets range from $30-$75. For more information call (813) 301-2500, visit the Tampa Bay Times Forum Website!

Cappella Music Festival
Free concert featuring Platinum Recording Artist, Sister Hazel and musical guests Miggs, Jr. Doctor, among others. Backline Music Group will host a day of outdoor music at the Cappella Music Festival featuring live musical performances, food, drinks and fun for the entire family.

General Admission is FREE‘Suite Six’ VIP package: $50 (includes front row “Best in House” seating, VIP areas and 2 complimentary cocktails, beer and/or wine). To reserve your tickets call 813.250.0011, or visit the website!

FOR THE KIDS

Mummies of the World
An incredible array of mummies and artifacts will be unwrapped for the public at Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry on Friday to reveal a haunting (some would even say creepy) collection of mummified people, pets and wildlife frozen in time.

This traveling exhibit is a rarity because it involves 21 different museums from around the world. Tickets are $18.95 for adults; $12.95 for children ages 2 to 12; $16.95 for seniors. For $5 more you can see both the mummies and the rest of MOSI, (813) 987-6000. mosi.org.

Dragon Boat Races and Asia Fest
Dragon Boat races and Asia Fest Dragons will be lurking in Garrison Channel this weekend as paddlers from across the U.S. and Canada compete to be Tampa's top dragon boat team. Meanwhile, the Asia Fest will run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at nearby Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, 601 Old Water St. It's free for the festival and to watch the dragon boats cruising down Garrison Channel starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday behind the Marriott Tampa Waterside, 700 S Florida Ave., Tampa.

FOOD & WINE

SeaGrapes Wine and Food Festival
Sea Grapes Wine and Food Festival, The Florida Aquarium's annual food and wine event, set in the aquarium's exhibits, will have more than 100 fine wines, cuisine from area restaurants, live jazz, entertainment and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit aquarium youth education and conservation programs. 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday April 28. $95, $225 VIP. Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa.

Tour De France Dinner at Fleming
Join us for a memorable evening of wine appreciation as we explore the fabulous heritage of French food and wine through an exceptional five-course dinner. For more details check out our blog post, or call 813-874-9463 to make reservations!

Well folks, that's a quick round-up of all things going on this weekend! What are you up, in addition to these great events?

That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hello there folks! Jerm here with another update for you on one of my favorite annual events coming up this weekend!

Sea Grapes Fine Wine and Food Festival is an elegant evening benefiting the Florida Aquarium’s education and conservation programs including sponsored admissions for underserved youth, sea turtle rehabilitation, seahorse conservation and coral farm propagation.

Be prepared to enjoy a fun night with great people, food, drink and music in the form of :

• More Than 100 Wines Provided By Total Wine & More
• Cuisine From 25 Premier Bay Area Restaurants
• Unique & Exciting Auction Items
• Enjoy Live Jazz & Entertainment Throughout The Aquarium
• Explore All Aquarium Exhibits

Now as always, we got you covered for a chance to win a pair of tickets to this awesome event! All you gotta do is play along with us in some trivia to be entered to win!

If you have never played trivia with us before, don't worry as its pretty simple! All you have to do is answer correctly the three trivia questions below on Facebook or Twitter and you enter yourself in for a chance to win the tickets!

Enough of my babbling, here are the trivia questions:

• True or False: Lisa Casalino and the Vodkanauts will headline the entertainment at this year's SeaGrapes Festival?
• True or False: The VIP Connoisseur's Club early admission begins at 6:00p.m.?
• This delicious cupcake maker has two locations in the Tampa Bay area and will be supplying some sweet treats at this year's SeaGrape's Festival?

Okay folks, there you have it! I suggest you get to answering, as we'll be posting the winners later this evening. And even if you don't win today, this is definitely one event you won't want to miss so be sure to purchase your tickets!

Hello foodie and drinky fans! Jerm here to tell you about another funtastic event happening over in the Westshore District!

Join our friends over at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar for a memorable evening of wine appreciation as we explore the fabulous heritage of French food and wine through an exceptional five-course dinner.

Each course will be paired with a notable wine from one of France's top growing regions. For those of you who are like me and may not be as familiar with your wine (or your French), you'll be joined by Michael Rugers, long-time director of wine and spirits for Bern's Steak House, Tavern on the Green and the Russian Tea Room. 

Just to wet your whistle, here is a look at some of the offerings you can begin to look forward to:
 

FRIDAY, APRIL 27th, 6:30 PM
$125 PER GUEST, ALL-INCLUSIVE*
CALL 813-874-WINE (9463) TO RESERVE

FIRST COURSE: PROVENCE
Crispy Goat Cheese Salad
perfumed d'anjou pears, balsamic-honey reduction
and ginger-essence vinaigrette
JEAN-LUC COLOMBO, Cape Bleue Rosé
Côteaux d'Aix en Provence, 2010

SECOND COURSE: BURGUNDY
Cream of Tomato Soup
camembert cheese foam, basil-infused oil
LOUIS LATOUR, Meursault, 2009

THIRD COURSE: BURGUNDY
Crusted Swordfish Provencal
potato gaufrette, lemon brown-butter-infused
spring vegetables
LOUIS LATOUR, Côte de Beaune-Villages, 2009

FOURTH COURSE: BORDEAUX
Slow-Braised Lamb Shank
gruyère-potato croquettes, rosemary jus
CHÂTEAU MALMAISON, Moulis, 2008
90 pts. Wine Spectator (2006 vintage)

DESSERT: RHÔNE VALLEY
Tarte Tatin
goat cheese gelato, pink-peppercorn anglaise
JEAN-LUC COLOMBO, Les Fées Brunes
Crozes-Hermitage, 2009 — 90 pts. Wine Spectator

Space is limited for this special wine event, and with a lineup of wines like this, rest assured this one will sell-out quickly!

Please call early to reserve your seat! We'll be back with more updates on Tampa Bay dining, wine and foodie related items so be checking back early and often!

Hello all! Jerm here with an awesome Tampa Bay sports update for ya! The Tampa Bay Rowdies will host the 2012 home opener this Saturday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m at Al Lang Stadium in Downtown St. Petersburg.

The Rowdies will take on FC Edmonton, and look to kick off the home opener with a win in front of a raucus crowd! If you haven't done so already, i suggest you get your tickets! To lock in your discounted seats for as low as $10 contact the Rowdies Front Office at (813) 287-1539, tickets@rowdiessoccer.com or purchase your tickets online here.

Rowdies sponsor NewClients has partnered with the team to give away Rowdies Roll-A-Banners to the first 500 fans at the home opener. For more details on this giveaway click here. Gates to the stadium will open one hour prior to kickoff. Also, be sure to arrive early to experience the new Rowdies Fan Zone outside the stadium. The fan zone will include interactive games, food, and much more for the young and old.

With Ralph's Mob sure to be chanting the Rowdies on, this is sure to be one opener for the ages so bring the family out and cheer the guys on to a big win!
 

Who would have thought that a vacant poolside kitchen would turn into a hydroponic garden serving fresh produce to the many Marriott customers and guests throughout the Bay area? The Tampa Marriott Waterside decided that they needed to use the vacant spaces in their hotel, and put them to good use.

They developed one hydroponic garden near the pool, and a roof top garden. All produce is dispersed among the Marriott restaurants for customers to enjoy.

This choice has allowed for a savings of over $1,000 a month in food cost. That is amazing! Currently they are producing 75-100 heads of lettuce which are used for salads throughout restaurants. The roof top tomato garden is hoping to stay on track by producing 160- 320 pounds of tomato from each crop.

A rain harvesting irrigation system, created out of mostly recycled materials was built for the rooftop garden.  Among the vegetables being grown, the hotel is growing herbs and flowers; basil, chives, mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano, marigolds, and sunflowers.

Not only us the Marriott being environmentally friendly, saving money, but allowing their customers to enjoy in a healthy eating experience throughout their restaurants! Thats all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay hotels!
 

Hey Tampa! The Frozen Four is finally here, welcome to college hockey’s biggest stage! Kristin here to give you a preview of the semi- final games that will be taking place on April 5th right in our backyard at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. 

The four teams that punched their tickets to Tampa are Ferris State University of Big Rapids Michigan, Union College of Schenectady New York, Boston College, and the University of Minnesota.

Ferris State will be taking on Union College on Thursday April 5th at 4:30 pm ET. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU.  Ferris State took out Denver 2-1, and Cornell 2-1 to reach the semi- final game, as Union defeated Michigan State3-1, and University of Massachusetts Lowell 4-2.  Both schools have never gone this far, making the match up a Cinderella story for the survivor.

The second game of the semi- finals will be April 5th at 8: 00 pm ET. with the meeting of two powerhouse programs, top seeded Boston College, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Boston College was the national champion in 2010, returning to take the crown. They defeated Air Force 4-0, and Minnesota Duluth 4-0 in the quarterfinals. Minnesota knocked out Boston University 7-3, and North Dakota 5-2. The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN2.

Stay posted for more Tampa Bay sports updates on the final game which will take place April 7.
 

Hey There College Hockey Fans, and happy Friday! Less than a week remains until the puck drops, so at this point I hope you guys are out shopping for bathing suits and sun tan lotion before you embark on your Tampa Bay journey to the NCAA Men's Frozen Four Hockey National Championships in Tampa Bay!

At present, the weather is a nice 73 degrees and excitement within the Tampa Bay community is building up big time! One of the great things going on for fans upon arrival are the fan headquarters for each team in Channelside Bay Plaza!

Channelside Bay Plaza features a unique mix of retail, dining and entertainment. From fine dining to fast dancing, movies to margaritas, wonderful shopping and more, Channelside Bay Plaza has it all!

It will be the place to be for college hockey fans, as we went all out for you guys and are actually renaming some of the local restaurants/watering holes for the week!

• Splitsville in Channelside will be renamed 4 #FrozenFour week as "The Gopher Hole & Bowl"
• Stumps Supper Club in Channelside will be renamed 4 #FrozenFour week as "York's Supper Club"
• Howl at the Moon in Channelside will be renamed 4 #FrozenFour week as "Bulldogs Bark at the Moon"
• Tinatapas in Channelside will be renamed for #FrozenFour week as "Dutchmen Diner"

It's gonna be a great week of events going on and we'll be back on Monday to tell you about all of them, so be sure to be checking back with us often throughout the week!

Hello there again college hockey fans! Jerm back here with another update on all things NCAA Frozen Four Hockey in Tampa Bay! As you already know, this year's installment of the NCAA Frozen Four will held at our very own Tampa Bay Times Forum.

The Tampa Bay Times Forum, is Florida’s premier entertainment venue and home of the 2004 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and Five-Time Arena Football Champion Tampa Bay Storm!

What you also may not have known that the Tampa Bay Times Forum has recently under went a 40 million dollar transformation! As a Frozen Four College Hockey Fanatic, you'll get to see and experience all of these amenities first hand next Thursday and Saturday as you watch your team's battle it out on the ice!

To wet your whistle a bit before the puck drops, here are 5 quick cool, quick facts about the new Tampa Bay Times Forum:

As you can see, when it comes to the fan experience, the folks over at the Tampa Bay Times Forum have you the fan top of mind! Of course you know however, that there are even more new cool things going on at the Forum, and we'll be back later with another post to tell you more about those features!

All of these great enhancements are part of the Tampa Bay is New Now initiative! For more information, visit www.TampaBayIsNewNow.com to learn more. That's all for now folks, but keep checking back in for more college hockey updates!

Hey there College Hockey fans! We're one week away from the puck dropping at the Tampa Bay Times Forum for the 2012 NCAA Frozen Four Hockey Championships in Tampa Bay!

I hope that all you fans are as excited as we are here in Tampa Bay to host all you Golden Gopher, Eagle, Bulldog, and Dutchmen fans! Here is a list of the fan hotels so you can go ahead and get to booking your stay in Tampa Bay!

These rates are subject to change and will fill up fast so be sure to contact the hotel first to confirm! When making your reservations, be sure to mention the promo code “College Hockey Fan Housing” to receive discounted rate. All hotel rates listed below do not include tax rate of 12% (subject to change without notice).

For information on these properties, visit: http://www.visittampabay.com/visitors/hotels/ visit our website for a comprehensive listing!

Downtown Accommodations (approx. 1 mile from Forum)

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Tampa
102 E Cass St. Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 229-1100
Rate: $199.00

Howard Johnson Plaza Downtown
111 W Fortune St. Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 223-1351
Rate: $99.00

Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Tampa
101 East Tyler St. Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 221-4224
Rate: $219.00

Westshore/Airport Accommodations

Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza
4200 Jim Walter Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 877-9200
Rate: $144.00

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
2900 Bayport Dr. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 874-1234
Rate: $129.00 - $179.00

Intercontinental Tampa
4860 W Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 286-4400
Rate: $134.00

Marriott Tampa Westshore
1001 N. Westshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 287-2555
Rate: $185.00

The Westin Tampa Bay
7627 Courtney Campbell Cswy. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 281-0000
Rate: $145.00 - $185.00

Crowne Plaza Tampa Westshore
5303 W Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 289-1950
Rate: $129.00 - $139.00

Doubletree Hotel Tampa Airport Westshore
4500 W. Cypress St. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 879-4800
Rate: $89.00

Ramada Tampa Airport Westshore Hotel
1200 N Westshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 282-3636
Rate: $79.00

Embassy Suites Hotel Tampa Westshore
555 N Westshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 875-1555
Rate: $169.00 - $189.00
    Mainsail Suites Hotel and Conference Center
5108 Eisenhower Blvd. Tampa, FL 33634
(813) 243-2600
Rate: $129.00 - $149.00

Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore
2225 N Lois Ave. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 877-6688
Rate: $99.00 - $109.00

Wyndham Tampa Westshore
700 N Westshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 289-8200
Rate: $134.00

Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore
4400 West Cypress Street, Tampa, Florida 33607
813.357.6126
Rate: $99.00

Doubletree Guest Suites Tampa Bay
3050 N Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 888-8800
Rate: $129.00 - $169.00

Chase Waterfront Suite Hotel
3075 North Rocky Point Drive East, Tampa Florida 33607
(813) 281-5677
Rate: $129.00 - $199.00

Hyatt Place Tampa Westshore
4811 W Main St. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 282-1037
Rate: $134.00 - $154.00

Emerald Greens Golf Resort
13941 Clubhouse Dr. Tampa, FL 33618
(813) 961-9400
Rate: $209.00

Sailport Waterfront Suites
2506 N Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 281-9599
Rate: $129.00

That's all for now, but keep checking back with us for more College Hockey related updates!

Hey there Hockey college hockey fans! As we draw ever so close the to the dropping of the puck for next week's NCAA Frozen Four Men's Hockey Championships, we wanted to drop by and give you some insight to each team and the path taken to the Frozen Four! All four teams are well deserving and I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to some awesome games!

Boston College
Boston College has done it again, returning to the Frozen Four for the 23rd time, making its third visit in the past five years.  The Eagles defeated University of Minnesota Duluth Sunday night, 4-0, keeping their 17 game winning streak in play.

This is nothing new for the Eagles back in the semifinals, with their 31st NCAA tournament appearance. The hockey powerhouse has reached the championship game seven times in the last 14 years winning two of the last four NCAA championships. Sunday's win improved BC coach Jerry York's NCAA tournament record to 35-19-1 all time, and 30-9 with the Eagles. The Eagles have taken the national championship crown four times, in 1949, 2001, 2008 and 2010. BC’s players to watch are Nathan Gerbe, a junior forward.

He has racked up 30 goals and 30 assists in 41 games and ranks second in the nation in scoring, named first-team Hockey East and the league's playoff MVP, the Dodge Holiday Classic MVP and was the Hockey Commissioner's December National Player of the Month. Goaltender Parker Milner was named the regional’s most outstanding player, stopping 33 shots with two consecutive shut outs.  Brian Dumoulin was named a Hobey Baker finalist.

University of Minnesota
For The University of Minnesota, they know what hard work is and persevered to get through the past few years the program has encountered.  The complete turnaround has them setting foot on the ice of the Frozen Four. This will be the Gophers first visit since 2005 to the Frozen Four. Winning the West regional by defeating North Dakota 5-2, and taking the last nine of eleven games, they have one more step to take when they get off the plane in Tampa.

UM has won five NCAA titles, the last one in 2003. 2012 is the Gophers 20th Frozen Four, 33rd NCAA tournament visit.  Players to watch in the Gophers line up are Eric Haula, sophomore forward, leading the team in points and shots. Freshmen forward Kyle Rau, Named to the All-WCHA Rookie Team. Nick Bjugstad, sophomore forward first team All-WCHA. Goalie, Kent Patterson named to the All-WCHA First Team and won also the WCHA Goaltending Champion title with a 2.06 goals-against average in league games.

Union College
Union College out of Schenectady New York will be participating in its first Frozen Four at the Division I level. The Dutchmen played in the Division III Final Four during 1984 and 1985. Union took the East Regional title game defeating UMass-Lowell 4-2. This continues to be an exciting season for first year coach Rick Bennett, keeping the team poised and ready to go for the semifinal. This year’s team has had one of the best years in its history, hitting the height of national polls. Goaltender Troy Groseniek was named a Hobey Baker finalist. Another player to watch is junior forward Jeremy Welsh, named East Regional Most Outstanding Player.

Ferris State
The Bulldogs started the season picked to finish ninth in the conference, by Valentine’s Day they were ranked number one in the country by all three major Division I polls. They just took out Denver and Cornell each holding multiple championship crowns. Ferris State has proven that you don’t need mega star roster, just hard work.  Ice hockey is the only sport that the school participates in at the Division I level. They do not have one player drafted by an NHL team, and prior to this year 2003 was their only trip to the NCAA tournament. They could be the next Cinderella story hitting the ice in Tampa. Check out player Taylor Nelson who received Midwest regional MVP honors.

Well folks, there's your re-cap! Be sure to keep checking back with us for more Tampa Bay sports and Frozen Four updates!

Hello folks! Jerm here with some Frozen Four College Hockey news for you as we draw ever so close to college hockey's premier event!

If you haven't already heard, this past weekend the four teams that will battle it out for college hockey supremacy will descend upon Tampa Bay next week to do battle at the Tampa Bay Times Forum!

New York’s Union College defeated University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Michigan’s Ferris State overpowered Cornell, Minnesota upset the No. 4 ranked North Dakota and Boston College conquered Minnesota-Duluth to advance to Tampa.

No. 3 ranked Union College will face Ferris State at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, while No. 1 ranked Boston College will meet Minnesota at 8 p.m.  The winners of these games will face each other at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 7 in the championship game.

For more information about the championship, log on to www.NCAA.com.  For more information about the NCAA Frozen Four in Tampa Bay, including ticket information, visit www.NCAA.com/FrozenFour or www.VisitTampaBay.com/FrozenFour.

I don't know about you guys but I am super pumped about this one and can't wait for next week as fans, teams alumni and all will be here to support their respective teams!

We'll be giving you much more information as the days go buy so be sure to check back with us early and often to get all of the latest updates! In the mean time, be sure to get your tickets and we'll see you in Tampa Bay!

Hey Tampa! Easter is right around the corner, time for Fleming’s Annual Sunday Brunch! Bring your family out for a fine dining experience Easter Sunday, April 8.

Brunch will be served from 11:30 to 3:00. A special three course children’s brunch menu will be available, as well as regular menu selections throughout the day and evening. Come out and enjoy Fleming’s famous event. 

Take a look at the Bruch menu!

CELEBRATION COCKTAIL
Blood Orange Fizz, $6.95*
CHOICE OF APPETIZER
Wedge Salad
Fresh Fruit Medley

CHOICE OF ENTRÉE
Filet Mignon Benedict
New Orleans-Style French Toast
Fleming's Frittata, with Shrimp or Filet Mignon
Steakhouse Filet Mignon Cobb
Prime Rib of Beef

ENTRÉES SERVED WITH:
Potatoes O'Brien
Sautéed Green Beans

CHOICE OF DESSERT
White Chocolate Bread Pudding
Crème Brûlée
Walnut Turtle Pie

For more information please go to guestservice@flemingssteakhouse.com
 

That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on dining and foodie related things to do in Tampa Bay

Good Afternoon Tampa!! Kristin here to tell you about the “Bring on Spring” Wine Dinner hosted by Roy’s of Tampa. Why not start spring off on the right foot with exquisite cuisine and fine wine, sounds like the perfect date night to me! 

The event will take place Wednesday, March 28th, at 7:00 PM. It is $ 85 dollars per person, which includes all wine pairings. A Southern Wine & Spirits Rep will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have about your specific wine selection.

Let me give you a sneak peek of the menu!

FIRST COURSE
Crispy Vietnamese Summer Roll
Green Mango, Roasted Pork, Maine Lobster & Thai Basil
Blüfeld Mosel Riesling

SECOND COURSE
Maple Leaf Duck Pastrami Salad
Sweet & Sour Lettuces, Rye Croutons, Grain Mustard & Poha Berry Vinaigrette
Sokol Blosser "Evolution" Proprietary Blend N.V.

THIRD COURSE
Spring BBQ Hawaiian Shutome
Mushroom & Pea Cassoulet, White Polenta, Maui Onion Broth
Franciscan Chardonnay Napa Valley

FOURTH COURSE
Roasted New Zealand Lamb
Sweet Corn & Chevre Souffle, Dragon Carrots, Roasted Leaks, Red Curry Cabernet
Artesa Pinot Noir Carneros

PERFECT ENDING
Samoa Cookie Crusted Chocolate Panna Cotta
Glazed Cherries, & Coconut
Kona Blend Coffee

Space is limited and filling fast. Don’t miss out on this night of spectacular wine and cuisine!
For more information please call 813.873.7697, and stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining updates!

March is packed with great Tampa Bay area events, and next weekend is no different! This one is for all you model train lovers out there!

Saturday, March 24, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the second annual Planes, Trains & Automobiles event will take place at the Plant City Airport. It's a chance to see real airplanes, remote control planes, model trains in operation and on exhibit, and classic and exotic car displays. Antique railroad maintenance equipment, train artifacts and memorabilia will be on display for guests to explore.

As part of the EAA Young Eagles Program, kids ages 8-17 will be able to take free airplane flights, and Boys Scouts will have an opportunity to earn their aviation merit badge at the event. There will be activities of interest for the entire family including food and merchandise vendors, K-9 demonstrations, live entertainment, and a children's play area. Admission is free; parking is $5.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce presents Planes, Trains & Automobiles at the Plant City Airport, 4007 Airport Rd., Plant City 33566.

For more information, contact the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce at 813-754-3707, or log on to www.plantcity.org, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PlanesTrainsAutos or follow the event on Twitter.

Hey Hockey fans! Kristin here to tell you about a great opportunity to come and support your Tampa Bay Lightning as they battle for a playoff spot.

Come out and “Be the Thunder” as the The Bolts currently are 31-30-7, 4th in the Southeast Division, with a few tough games coming up! The Lightning are currently in 11th place in the east and 7 points back of the 8th place team division rival Washington so lets help the Bolts claw back into the play-off picture!

The Lightning will host numerous home games in the remainder of March and will lock horns with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, and New York Islanders! That’s plenty of games for you to get out and cheer the guys on as they fight for that final playoff spot!

Tonight’s match-up is a special one as it is Social Media Night, sponsored in part by Sun Sports, so be paying attention on Twitter as well as on tv or in the arena to give yourself a chance to win some great prizes!

Tickets are still available so be sure to hop on line or get to the arena early and get your tickets!