Dine, Wine & Food Finds in Tampa

Apr 8th 2011 2:00AM / by Nanette Wiser

In addition to this weekend's Tampa Bay Blues Fest at the Vinoy, stop by downtown St. Pete's Artwalk Saturday starting at 5:30pm where you can meet artists and enjoy neighborhood eats. Head up to Dunedin for the monthly second Friday celebration serving up 40 merchants, art, wine tasting and live entertainment including Showboat tunes. Still hungry? Pinkberry celebrity frozen yogurt is now open in Westshore Plaza and wouldn't Paris Hilton be thrilled.

Japan Fundraiser: Help the Red Cross support tsunami and earthquake victims by donating money and helping Garage Bar & Grill donate a portion of food sales (Fri. April 8, 5-8pm) while enjoying sushi and drink specials ($2 Bud Light drafts, $5 martini, 25% sushi discount).
1120 E. Kennedy Blvd.; 813-679-0515

Ybor Tapas Trail: Starting at 4pm (Sat., April 9), nibble on the best of Ybor's dishes (Bernini, Columbia, New World Brewery) and enjoy an After Party/Smoker at the Italian Club. Continue the celebration on Sunday with Columbia's jazz brunch, silent auction and tapas cooking challenge. Cost: $35/person Sat., $45 Sun.; both days $70.
8th Ave., Ybor City; 813-241-8338

Mama Mia Eno Pino: Kick off the Festa Italia weekend with the wines of Italy (Thurs., April 14) courtesy of Maggiano's $50/person advance, $60/person at the door. Continue on with Friday's amore film festival, Saturday's homemade vino and bocce ball competitions and Sunday's repast provided by thirty top Italian restaurants. Save room for the cannoli.
Wine: The Italian Club of Tampa, 1731 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City
Event: Centennial Park, between 18th and 19th Street along 8th Avenue, Ybor City

Taste of South Tampa: Don't miss the 6th annual Hyde Park Village celebration (Sun., April 17) with food and beverage from forty restaurant, beer (Dos Equis), wine (Barefoot Wine) and live music. Great opportunity to inexpensively sample delights from Eats American Grill, Five Guys Burgers, The Cupcake Spot, NoHo Bistro, Timpano's Chop House and more. You can even get a chair massage. With advance purchase, regular admission tickets are $35/adult; $20 (ages 11 to 20); kids 10 and under get in free. On the day of the event, ticket prices increase $5, pending availability.
Hyde Park Village; 813-786-7480. info@TasteofSouthTampa.com .

Photo Courtesy of Taste of South Tampa