Food and Restaurants
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Pork love and Knob Creek bourbon
Posted by Arielle Stevenson on Tue, May 14, 2013 at 4:14 PM
Sidebern's Executive Chef Chad Johnson strode into the dining room with a full Berkshire pig (from the nearby Summerfield's Pasture Prime) draped over his shoulder. Everyone at last week's Knob Creek Big Flavor Dinner dropped their Manhattans and gathered around a demonstration table. And with three knives, and seemingly little effort, Johnson showed the room "how to butcher a pig."
He showed us what parts of the pig most Americans will eat, and then showed us how much of the pig is leftover, which is a lot. Johnson is a chef unafraid of American's texture-frigid palates and he uses almost every part of the pig to his culinary pleasure.
The entire menu was suited to follow the grand entrance, every course laden with little piggie goodness.
We began with lard poached prawns with crispy trotters (fried pig's feet in lieu of croutons), fava beans, and egg vinaigrette.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Growler legalization could be uphill battle
Legalizing 64-ounce growlers won't be easy for lawmakers.
Posted by Arielle Stevenson on Wed, Mar 27, 2013 at 3:18 PM
- steussy.com
- The standard growler holds about four beers, but remains illegal in Florida. Legislation in the House and Senate could change that.
That's problematic for the blossoming brewing industry in the Sunshine State. A standard growler holds 64 ounces of beer or about four glasses of beer, a 32 ounce growler is about two beers, and a gallon growler is about eight beers.
Joey Redner, CEO and founder of Cigar City Brewing, said people on vacation (otherwise known as beer tourists) bring their 64 ounce growlers from home, and Cigar City must refuse to fill them.
"Some people think we were just trying to sell them a new 32 ounce growler," Redner said during our interview last month. "But then we have to explain that it's actually illegal for us to fill that size."
Senate Bill 1344, which was proposed by Pinellas Republican Sen. Jack Latvala, passed in the Senate Regulations Committee. The bill would legalize the standard growler size in Florida. Similar legislation in the House of Representatives, HB 715, had its first reading at the beginning of March.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Strawberry Festival off to a sweet start
Strawberries, exhibits and breathtaking rides are all part of the fun at this year's festival
Posted by Chip Weiner on Mon, Mar 4, 2013 at 12:50 PM
- Chip Weiner
- United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack pays a visit to the St. Clements Catholic Church strawberry shortcake booth. The exhibit has been a part of the strawberry festival for over 40 years. Vilsack was given a flat of specially selected strawberries from Parkesdale farm and then sampled shortcake Plant City style
The 2013 Florida Strawberry Festival began Thursday and runs for 11 days. The event takes place in Plant City, the winter strawberry capital of the world according to the city's website. The Florida Strawberries Growers Association says the sweet fruit is available from December through April every year and is grown on approximately 8000 acres around Florida.
More pics
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Free pancakes at IHOP
Posted by Arielle Stevenson on Tue, Feb 5, 2013 at 9:32 AM
Whether you call them flapjacks, hot cakes, or short stacks, it's hard not to love pancakes. And free pancakes? Well, those taste even better.
Today (Feb. 5), get a a free short stack of pancakes from the International House of Pancakes from 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
In lieu of pancake payment, consider leaving a donation. Monies collected today will go to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities. This year, IHOP is trying to raise $3 million. Free pancakes and a good cause? This is a no brainer.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Inside the Photo Booth: Spiritman Dean Hurst
Posted by Kevin Tighe on Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 9:27 AM
- Kevin Tighe
- Dean Hurst, Tampa, FL 12/27/12
Monday, November 12, 2012
This week in food and drink
Posted by Arielle Stevenson on Mon, Nov 12, 2012 at 2:48 PM
A week ahead of Thanksgiving, there are lots of food and drink events out in the Tampa Bay area, many benefiting local charities too. Be sure to get out to some of the great things happening in our community.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12:
FOOD FOR THE SOUL, A FARM TO FORK EVENT
Ella's Folk Art Cafe hosts a meal made from locally sourced ingredients! Contributing farmers include: permaculturalist Willow LaMonte, Nate and Charlie of Gnarly Farms (Seminole Heights), and Kevin from Glory Road Farms. Proceeds from the dinner and post-meal drinks benefit the Green Springs market and delivery service and Community Stepping Stones, both helping the Sulphur Springs neighborhood. $60, 5:30 p.m., 5119 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-234-1000.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14:
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Catch a preview of Whole Foods' Thanksgiving menu, paired with holiday wines. From bread, to pie, to spicy sage stuffing, Whole Foods is a one-stop-show for Thanksgiving. The tasting will be held throughout the store. FREE. 6-8 p.m. 1548 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-874-9435.
ACOUSTIC BARBECUE SERIES
New World Brewery and Thx Mgmt's Wednesday night acoustic music and BBQ series, features Chris Otepka (Heligoats and Troubled Hubble) this week. Grab a plate of Bird's famous $5 chicken plates and take in some free live music. FREE. 7-9 p.m. 1313 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4969.
THREE PALMS KEEP THE PINT NIGHT Three Palms Brewing presents a keep the pint glass night on site at the brewery. For $10, you'll get two tickets good for two pints of Three Palms beer and keep your logo pint glass. $10. 6-9 p.m. 1509 Hobbs St., Tampa, 888-813-4856.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Helping those in Sandy's aftermath from afar
Posted by Arielle Stevenson on Mon, Nov 5, 2012 at 3:41 PM
- @AndrewOKnowlton
- A pork-fueled fundraiser near Brooklyn to help those affected by Sandy.
As Floridians, hurricanes are routine. We are conditioned to it, the pace of preparation every year like clockwork. But as one New Yorker wrote me this morning, "Yes, you guys have hurricanes down there unfortunately. NYC does not, sadly."
So here are some ways people in the area are helping or can help.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Obama's meal made with Mazzaro's ingredients
Posted by Arielle Stevenson on Fri, Sep 21, 2012 at 9:12 AM
- facebook.com/pages/Mazzaros-Italian-Market
- Tyler Florence at Mazzaro's Thursday.
Mazzaro's Italian Market got a visit from the Food Network's Tyler Florence Thursday. Florence was there shopping for ingredients to cook a meal for President Barack Obama. The President was in Tampa Thursday night for a private fundraiser.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Spice up your coffee
Posted by Arielle Stevenson on Thu, Sep 13, 2012 at 11:28 AM
On a recent rainy Sunday, a dear friend made the greatest espresso I've ever tasted. She crushed herbs and roots, pressing them into the coffee grinds.
- Arielle Stevenson
- Try different spice combinations for an extra kick in your cup.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Occupying Cafe Hey — Tampa hangout for the political fringe
Posted by Julie Garisto on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 1:19 PM
Tonight at 8 p.m. there'll be a Woody Guthrie sing-along with dance party and "special revolt" to follow at 11 p.m. On Tuesday at 8 p.m., check out the "Great Debate.
Attend a workshop on "How Wall Street is Burning Democracy" at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29.
Vermin Supreme hosts "Art of the Meme" 8 p.m. Wednesday evening, Thursday the cafe features its popular weekly open mic at 7 p.m. Live music dominates Friday with shows by Meredith Marsh and others TBD, starting at 9 p.m. Saturday at 8 p.m., attend a "Hip-Hop Classical Guitar Extravaganza. Below are photos from the cafe's Post! political poster show and Acho Brother.
The cafe opens daily at 7 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday and 1 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. Activists and spectators can pick up free how-to guides that offer details and tips on participating in RNC political action events at the cafe's counter.
