Where to Eat

Hey everyone!  Travis back...but with a special guest.  Scott from the Florida State Fairgrounds is going to be giving us some updates about what there is to see, do, interact with, and much more out at the Fairgrounds.  They have some really cool Tampa Bay Area Events happening, so make sure you keep checking back.  Take it away Scott -

You would never believe how hard it actually was to live 120 years ago in rural Florida.  No internet connection, no electricity, no air conditioning, and no iPhone.  Dirt roads dotted the landscape, travel was done by horse, and cattle roamed wild and was hunted by cowmen with an entrepreneurial spirit.  The word Pioneer comes to mind when thinking about these early settlers, and right here in Tampa you can experience first hand the experiences that these people had to endure.

Many places around the Tampa Bay area offer history experiences in museum settings, but none like Cracker Country Living History Museum.  This museum is part of the Florida State Fairgrounds, and is open for public events only a few times a year.  Interpreters sport bonnets and straw hats, and guests step into rural Florida’s history as it was in 1898.

See for yourself how the pioneers lived with the actual buildings that have been moved from places in Florida to be curated and refurbished on the fairgrounds.  Some of the crafts that guests will be able to participate in cutting out paper dolls, making period toys, sewing fabric dolls, cornhusk dolls, stuffing potpourri sachet, bookmark weaving, and quilting.  All of the museums buildings will be open to explore as well as being able to dip candles, twist rope, play with hoop catchers, pull and eat taffy, make a postcard, and laundry, a kids favorite.

A special event, Make and Take Craft Day on May 5th will feature craft making from the 1800’s plus all the buildings and hands-on activities that visitors enjoy.  The museum will be open from 10am - 4pm, and admission is $7 for adults, students (six to twelve years old) and senior citizens are $6, and children 5 and under are admitted free.  Additionally, all of the crafts that a visitor makes are included in the admission price.  Visit their Facebook page at “crackerycountrylivinghistory” to download a discounted admission coupon. 

So if your looking to start your weekend with a family fun activity, and your a history buff, Cracker Country is the place to be on Saturday afternoon.

And there you go...thanks Scott!  Like we said, Scott will be back with more updates about what's happening at the Florida State Fairgrounds, but next time without the introduction!! 

See everyone back here with more updates and great things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hello there all! Jerm here to tell you about an oldie but a goodie, over in the Rocky Point area at Aqua Bar & Grille located in the Westin Tampa Bay.

AQUA Bar & Grille's fresh colors reflect the vibrancy of the cool ocean waters for a super relaxing atmosphere. If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, I say give it a shot, and you have plenty to choose from as they offer, breakfast, lunch, dinner , Sunday brunch, and even a bites menu! I can fully attest to how awesome the lunch menu is, as I was there today for lunch and took a stab at the skirt steak, and believe me when I tell you it was delicious!

Fulfill your every culinary craving at AQUA Bar & Grille, waterfront restaurant with global seafood flown in daily! It doesn't get much more fresh than that! AQUA Bar & Grille is designed to entertain your every sense, highlighted by a water-encased walk-in wine cellar and a state-of-the-art open kitchen, where our professionally trained chefs prepare sumptuous meals inspired by ingredients from around the globe.

One of my favorite things to do here is go out for one of the happy hour events on the weekend or after work! They are even pet friendly so you can bring Rover along with during Yappy Hours! Here are just some of the regular scheduled events going on at Aqua:

• Play by the Bay! Fridays and Saturdays - from 7 to 10 pm. Enjoy live entertainment on the patio.
• Yappy Hour! the third Saturday of each month, bring your furry friends  for happy hour, wine tastings and musical performance from 4 to 7 pm
• Happy Hour: Everyday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Enjoy special drink prices: $2.75 domestic long neck, $2 house wine, $3 well liquor

Well that's enough of me telling you how awesome this place is, I guess you need to go out and experience it for yourself!

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 there folks! Jerm here with an update for you on a recent visit we took to visit our friends over at the Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport!

This was my first visit and I was really looking forward to it, as I have always heard great things about Courtyard properties so I knew I was in for a treat. Believe me when I say, that the Courtyard hotel offers the perfect location, close to area attractions and just three miles from the airport.

When you talk about state of the art, it all starts with the lobby at this place. Never seen such cool items that enhance the guest experience quite like this!

The state-of-the-art lobby features a new, more personal arrival experience that is sure to delight even the most traveled road warrior. Some of the highlights include:

• GoBoard® - The signature GoBoard®, an interactive, touch screen informational display panel, located in the lobby, allows you to access driving directions, view local weather, find a local restaurant, and catch up on all the latest news. Did I mention its all TOUCHSCREEN! How awesome is that exactly.
• Business Library - Get connected with free high-speed Internet access, as well as complimentary printing services.
• Media Pods - For more privacy, guests can work or relax in one of the comfortable media pods, featuring free wireless high-speed Internet access, power outlets for cell phone chargers and laptops, and a flat-screen TV with personal remote control.
• Theater Lounge - At the end of the day, enjoy a little time outside the room by relaxing in our Theater Lounge. This area is perfect for watching that all-important sporting event and more.

Enough talk about technology, lets talk about where you will spend most of your time... the room! Whether you like King Bedrooms, Double Bed Guest rooms, or Suites, these guys got you taken care of for when you are ready to get to the room and relax from a long day of travel, or long day of exploring Tampa Bay!

The spacious suite guest rooms feature separate living rooms and additional amenities including a TV in each room, microwave, mini-refrigerator and dry bar. I laid down on one of the beds, and was almost asleep five minutes later, so when you think comfortable beds, think Courtyard!

Each room is also equipped with complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access also, while sticking to that technology theme.

If you are looking to unwind and get away from technology for a second, the patio and outdoor space enables guests to unwind in cozy comfort, enjoy the outdoors, retreat from the hustle and bustle and even be inspired to work outdoors. On a beautiful day like today, there is no place I'd rather be.

If you are in the need to put food in your belly, they got you covered as well! The Bistro provides high quality, freshly prepared meals and beverages in a quick serve café environment. Breakfast features Starbucks coffee and a wide selection of pastries, egg sandwiches, and healthy fruit and yogurt parfaits. In the evening, The Bistro offers fresh hot sandwiches, entrée salads, soups and a selection of craft beers and quality wines.

All in all, its a pretty sweet option if you are looking for a great place to lay your head, while enjoying tons of awesome amenities. For more info, be sure to check out their website and get to booking!

Be sure to check it out on your travels and stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay!

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!

Hey Tampa! Kristin here to tell you about the exquisite cuisine being served up at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood! Located in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Come out and experience the fine dining ambiance of Council Oak, named after the ancestral oak tree where the Seminole leaders would meet to discuss tribe affairs. 

Council Oak specializes in the finest USDA steaks and seafood, all of the top end meat coming from their very own butcher shop and seafood from local waters. Maine Lobster is also a signature feature.

In addition to the extensive menu offered, there are over 300 wines to choose from the intimate wine bar. This local gem has been rated highly by Zagat, as well as one of the “2011 Hot 10 Tampa Bay Restaurants” by Gayot, The Guide to the Good Life. The restaurant has also been awarded the Award of Excellence by the Wine Spectator Magazine.

Check out this sneak peak of some their signature dishes on the menu!

Appetizers:

• Steak Tartare made from chopped USDA prime beef with traditional seasoning ($12.50)
• Sea Scallops seared and topped with lemon and pomegranate ($14)
• Stuffed Clams ($10.50)

Main dishes:

• Dry Aged Lamb Chops ($50), Filet Mignon ($39)
• Grilled Free Range Chicken ($25)

Dessert:

• Crème Brulee with fresh berries marinated in Grand Mariner
• Council Oak 151 Volcano is made up of vanilla ice cream covered with Heath Bar Crunch flambéed tableside with a shot of 151 Rum

All new cocktails:

• Martinis feature a choice of nine differently-stuffed olives (examples: Chipotle pepper, Feta cheese and rosemary)

Come out to Council Oak, and enjoy this fine dining experience! That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining and foodie related updates!

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! Kristin here to tell you about Seasons 52 new Spring menu! Check out the highly acclaimed fresh grill and wine bar restaurant, known for keeping your healthy eating patterns in check! The menu at Seasons 52 is based off the idea of the Farmer’s Market 52 weeks a year, and the freshness it has to offer.

The menu has a wide array of new items that you must check out! The artichoke and goat cheese flat bread, with leaf spinach, balsamic onion and roasted peppers. Artichoke- Stuffed Artichoke Leaves, with organic arugula, parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze.

Lamb T-bone chops with asparagus, truffle mashed potatoes and red wine glaze. Tiger Shrimp Penne Pasta, with spring asparagus and oyster mushrooms in a light lemon- basil sauce.

Two new cocktails will be featured on the new spring menu as well. The Strawberry Kir Royal, fresh strawberry- infused prairie organic vodka, organic agave nectar and zardetto prosecco.  The Strawberry Basil Infusion, fresh strawberry- infused prairie organic vodka, fresh basil, and organic agave nectar.
The new menu is featuring must- try wines for the season.

Some of the selections include the following; Aveleda Vinho Verde-Protugal, Lico Indica Rose- Mendocino, Zardetto Prosecco- Treviso NV, and Botani Moscatel- Sierras de Malaga. I’m sure that you will be able to find a wine fitting to your palette!

Seasons 52 guarantees you the freshest high quality meal possible, with menu changes four times a year fitting to the change in season. Nothing on the menu is more than 457 calories! This is the perfect experience for the healthy lifestyle most are looking to attain.
For more information visit seasons52.com, and stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining udates!

Looking for somewhere to eat Easter Brunch? Be sure to check out some of our partners that are offering them. Be sure to call and make reservations beforehand. Visit their websites for more information!

Boizao Brazilian Steakhouse- $34.90 with a complimentary dessert per person from 12:00pm to 8:00pm!
Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar- from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at both locations
Pelagia Trattoria- Easter Buffet from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Jackson's Bistro- Brunch buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar- three-course menu from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $34.95
Ocean Prime- Brunch menu from 11 a.m. and on.
Parkshore Grill- Offering a special Easter menu for $50.
Roy's Restaurant- Offering a special Easter Brunch menu!

Click here to view other Easter Brunch Specials in Tampa Bay. Enjoy!

Happy Friday Tampa Bay! Alex here to let you know about a fun Easter Egg Hunt taking place in Tampa Bay!

Grab your Easter baskets! The Christian Family Church and the Nick Capitano Boys & Girls Club invite you to participate in the Annual Children’s Easter Event: “The Great Egg Race” on March 31, at 10:30 a.m. 

Join special guests Mayor Bob Buckhorn and former baseball player, Darryl Strawberry,  as they join in the family fun day. This is a free event, open to all ages. The event includes an egg hunt, food, games, live entertainment and prizes. This is going to be a blast for the entire family!

Highlights of this year’s event include:15,000 eggs for our egg race, live animals, free food and live entertainment.
 
The event is located at 1218 East Kay Street, Tampa, FL 33602 (The Nick Capitano Boys & Girls Club).

For more information, call the Christian Family Church office at (813) 802-8736.  You can also visit, www.GreatEggRace.com or www.cfctampa.org.  “Like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/cfctampa!

Have a wonderful Friday. Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay this Easter.

Hey there college hockey fans!

The Hobey Baker Award is the most prestigious award in all of men’s college ice hockey, honoring the top player in college hockey.

This year’s Hobey Baker Award winner will be announced Friday, April 6, 2012 from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL during the NCAA Frozen Four.  The 32nd annual announcement will be aired live on the NHL Network at 6:00 p.m., ET, and at the Hobey website, www.hobeybakeraward.com.

The three finalists are the following listed below Spencer Abbott, Jack Connolly, and Austin Smith. The criteria in order to qualify for this award is more than just being a force on the ice, but having a dominant presence in the community.

Candidates must contribute to the integrity of the team and display outstanding skills in all aspects of the game. Consideration of a candidate should be given for both scholastic achievement and sportsmanship.

All candidates must comply with all NCAA rules, be at an accredited college or university, and complete 50% or more of the season.  

Spencer Abbott
Abbott, a senior forward from The University of Maine, the once recruited walk- on four years ago, will take his skills to the next level with the Toronto Maple Leafs, signing a one year contract four days after his team was eliminated from the NCAA tournament. He will be playing for the Leafs farm club, the Toronto Marlies. Abbott a 5’10 175 lb. forward, known for his speed has led the NCAA in scoring with 21 goals, and 41 assists. He was named Hockey East Player of the Year, Hockey East Player of the Month in December and February, Player of the Week three times, and Hockey East First All Star Team. Abbott fulfilled his degree as a Family Relations major and has been on the Dean’s List three times. Off the ice Abbott is active in the community helping with Special Olympics, and assisting at youth hockey clinics.

Jack Connolly
University of Minnesota Duluth 5’8, 155 Ib. senior forward Jack Connolly finished second in the NCAA to help Duluth lead as the second highest scoring team in the nation this past season. Known for great foot speed, and his vision on the ice, he set the school record playing in 166 games, not missing one during his four seasons, finishing eighth in program career scoring with 66 goals and 131 assists. Connolly led UMD to its first ever NCAA Men’s Championship in 2011. He is a two time All- American, first three time first team WCHA- Selection in school history, and repeat Hobey top ten finalist. The hometown native from Duluth is very involved in the community with the Boys & Girls Clubs, visiting Duluth hospitals, adopt a highway and working with various cancer fund-raisers. He’s a Communications major with a 3.3 GPA. He is a pro hockey free agent.

Austin Smith
Austin Smith 5’11, 180 lb., senior forward of Colgate University rounds out his college hockey career as one of the top scorers in all of college hockey, scoring 20 goals faster than any college player in the last 12 years, finishing + 25, making him third in the nation. He finished the year out with 36 goals and 21 assists. He led the nation with 6 shorthanded goals and seven power play goals. Smith was awarded the EAC scoring title this past season, Conference Player of the Year, and First Team All Star, not to mention a fifth round draft pick for the Dallas Stars. Smith graduated with a Sociology and Anthropology major, and is involved with the Hamilton NY Food Cupboard, assisting with food and toy drives, and the Goals for Good program.

Well those are your three finalists folks! Be sure to be watching to see who wins this year's award, and also check back for more updates on Frozen Four things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex back with some exciting news about a wonderful event taking place in Ybor City!

A Taste of Italy, right in the heart of Historic Ybor City... is celebrating  its 15th Anniversary this weekend!

The festivities kicked –off last night with  Wines of Italy and they will continue throughout the weekend.

Celebrate fabulous Italian Cinema with Cinema Italiano at The Italian Club with a showing of "Mid-August Lunch"  tonight at 7pm and a showing of "Christ in Concrete" on Saturday, March  31 at 7pm. 
Admission is FREE,  with donations accepted at the door.  Espresso, Dolci and popcorn will be available.

On Saturday, March 31, Festa Italiana is hosting a free day of festivities for the entire family to enjoy.  Festa Saturday features the annual Bocce Ball Invitational Tournament in Centennial Park, an assortment of Italian food, the Italian Idol Competition and much more.

Festa Italiana's 15th Annual Event takes place on Sunday, April 1, when Centennial Park and Historic Ybor City host over thirty Tampa Bay area restaurants and caterers.  The Taste of Italy tent will feature classic Italian dishes, cocktails and  much more.

What better way to spend your weekend than outdoors in Tampa Bay, enjoying delicious Italian food, fun games and great music with friends and family? I don’t think anything can beat that… Don’t miss out!

Festa Italiana benefits the Italian Club Restoration Fund. 

For more information, please visit:  www.FestaItalianaTampa.com

I hope you all enjoy the festa! Check back with us often for more information on Things To Do In Tampa Bay!

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!

Good morning Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know some great news about The Westin Tampa Bay!

Recently, The Westin Tampa Bay was ranked the #1 Hotel in Tampa by the U.S. News & World Report.

Wondering why The Westin received this recognition? According to U.S. News & World Report there was quite a few reasons...  The brilliant view of Old Tampa Bay from all 255 rooms, the ultra-comfortable rooms (featuring the trademark heavenly beds) and the gracious front desk staff.

Guests also appreciate having access to the heated indoor pool, gorgeous beach and tasty-in house restaurant.  The Westin Tampa Bay suggests you order from the delicious prix-fixe menu at The AQUA Bar and Grille during your visit!

Next time you are looking for a wonderful hotel and/or a great place to eat, keep The Westin Tampa Bay in mind!

Check back often for more information on things to do and Tampa Bay Hotels!
 

Hi Tampa Bay, Alex here to help you get a start on your Easter dining plans.

If you have been on the hunt for a great Easter meal, The Columbia Restaurant is open and including special Easter features to the menu.

The Columbia Café on the Riverwalk in Tampa is also open on Easter Sunday. You are welcome to enjoy a more casual meal from the regular menu at the cafe.  Easter features are not offered. Indoor or outdoor waterfront seating available without reservations.

Easter Features

Roast Leg of Lamb “Dali” - Domestic lean leg of lamb, marinated with red wine, garlic, lemon and oregano, roasted with potatoes in a rich gravy. Served with “Good Rice”, spring vegetables and mint jelly.  $19.95

Baked Virginia Ham - Hand carved ham topped with an orange sauce. Served with real mashed potatoes, candied yams and vegetable medley. $19.95

Entrees served with Caesar Salad and hot Cuban bread.  Try Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad for $2.95 extra.

Chocolate Tres Leches - A light sponge cake in a mixture of three milks and rich chocolate. $5.95

Strawberry Malaguena  - Fresh strawberries marinated in Spanish Amontillado Sherry, brown sugar and fresh mint. $5.95

Sangria de Cava - Spain’s wonderful bubbling cooler made with Spanish Cava (Champagne), Torres brandy and liqueur, with citrus juices. One taste will transport you to the sunny coast of Spain.  Pitcher $19.95

This sounds like the perfect place to enjoy a great Easter meal. I hope you all enjoy the featured menu items too! Call to make your reservations today!

Check back with us often for more Tampa Bay dining news.

LInda Mummert here with a Convention Sales update!

From Feb. 29-March 1, Tampa Bay & Company representatives and its partners conducted a successful sales mission in Chicago, one of its top feeder markets.  Five Tampa Bay & Company partners joined Regional Account Executive Jeff Gassaway , National Sales Manager Amy Trautman and Director of Convention Sales Alex Kaptzan for group sales calls and two client event functions.  

Team Tampa Bay made group presentations to Smith Bucklin, American Bar Association, Experient and Association Management Center.  Each organization either has met or will be meeting in Tampa Bay, generating hotel room nights and positive economic impact for the destination.  

In addition to the group calls, the team hosted a reception at EPIC restaurant in downtown Chicago and a luncheon at Gibsons restaurant in the Chicago suburbs. Both functions were a huge hit with our clients. 

Till next time, it's over and out, and stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay meetings!