Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

It’s the season’s first installment of the Florida college basketball update and the Gators still have the best team in the state. By a long shot.

Florida (18-3) : beat South Carolina, Vanderbilt

With a very young Gators team Billy Donovan is playing the respect card and basically begging pollsters to not rank his team. The Gators are coming off their biggest win of the season, a throttling of the previously 13th ranked Commodores. While the win is impressive it is best to withhold judgment on this team until they play a good team on the road, where young teams typically struggle.

Up Next: Arkansas (Sat, 3:00)

Miami (15-4) : lost to UNC, beat Clemson

With nothing but ACC games left on their schedule the ‘Canes badly need some conference wins if they are going to have any chance to get into the NCAA tournament. Sunday’s win against previously 25th ranked Clemson helps and raises the Cane’s ACC record to 2-3. Miami’s fortunes seem to rise and fall with how Jack McClinton’s shot is falling.

Up Next: @ Wake Forest (Tues, 7:00), @ Duke (Sat, 3:30)

South Florida (10-10): lost to Louisville

Baby steps. Just keep repeating that Bulls fans, baby steps. After all if the football team can play in a bowl game this season then surely the basketball team can get to the NCCA tournament in the next few years right?

Up Next: @ Marquette (Tues, 8:00), St Johns (Sat, 7:00)

Florida State (13-8) : beat UVA, lost to NC State

With Al Thornton in the NBA now the Noles have become a disgrace of a basketball team and the local ink sheet is trying the ol’ “blame it on bad luck routine.” At least Noles fans still have that football team to fall back on.

Up Next: @ Virginia Tech (Tues, 9:00), UNC (Sun, 2:00)

Bars are used to dealing with drunken assh*les. Apparently, it’s the sober ones that throw ‘em for a loop.

You might recall in ‘06 when a non-drinking bar patron was acting like a jackass. Management threw him out, but he ended up suing the bar based on claims that he was a designated driver for his group. That row inspired the law that says taverns cannot toss people who are designated drivers.

Unfortunately, it seems that some folks feel that law gives them free reign to be an idiot.

Rose Hamilton took a taxi to the Dirty Martini (watch the volume) in Clearwater, ordered an alcoholic drink, then wanted to switch to coffee. The bar doesn’t serve coffee. She thought they should.

Bar manager Rico Minasian says she got loud and obnoxious, insisting he serve coffee, and trying to convince bar patrons they were in a terrible place. And that when he charged $4 for a soft drink, she became even more upset and belligerent. He asked her to leave, even threatening to call police, so she left.

Now Rose has filed a complaint under that new law that protects designated drivers. She says she explained to Rico that she might later be expected to get drunk friends home safely, and that he complained that he wouldn’t make any money if she just “drank coffee all night.”

She took a taxicab to the place, and was alone at the time, so it’s hard to say if she was really a DD. We don’t know for sure, but it is certainly possible that her friends were meeting there, and would count on her to do the driving.

To all bar owners and managers (and servers): You have always had stingy people that just want to take up space while they spend no money. You can no longer throw them out for that. You certainly don’t have to offer coffee, but non-alcoholic drinks SHOULD be available at a decent price. It may be aggravating, but designated drivers are a very important part of the equation - they may be the only reason that group is at YOUR PLACE tonight. Plus, they are helping to keep your best customers alive.

To you stingy people: If you want to mingle with others for free, go to a park. Businesses have expenses, and have set their prices on those costs. Understand that when your group goes to a bar, you should expect to pay for a soft drink. If they charge more than you are willing or able to pay, it is your job to convince your group to take your business elsewhere. Otherwise, shut up and pay your tab.

To you designated drivers: You are doing a great service by protecting your friends from the evils of driving drunk. And you deserve major props. But it takes more than just agreeing not to drink alcohol. And it doesn’t give you immunity to be a complete assh*le. You should be proud of your DD designation, not resigned to it. If you cannot conduct yourself in a responsible manner even when sober, you are not qualified for the job.

To all jerks, whether drunk or sober or simply misunderstood: Quit being such a jerk. Any establishment should not be forced to put up with your obnoxious behavior. It doesn’t do anyone any good to bitch about prices or availability of specific drinks or bar policy. You too can choose to spend your money at another place. Money talks.

To the drinkers: How about that?!! For once, you are the innocent bystander!!! But remember, if you are out and drinking, always use a designated driver, have your driver on call, or arrange for a taxicab. And party on!

Now that the Tampa Museum of Art is closed until March, it’s time to spread our wings and discover other art installations the area has to offer.

Trying to escape drunken crowds and invading pirates? Dunedin Fine Art Center is holding a two day event called Contain It! Friday and Saturday.

The opening party starts at 8 p.m. Fri. and is $10 for admission. The event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday is free.

The exhibit is a series of 10 PODs (storage units) transformed by artists. For the party Friday night, there will also be DJs, Red Bull lounges, and artist/performer John Kilduff.

While you’re there, take some time out to view DFAC’s other exhibits, like the privacy squashing pictures from Les Slesnick’s Private Spaces and Elizabeth Faubert’s whimsical photographic take on words in The Light of Language.

For more information on Contain It!, current exhibits, or attending a workshop with John Kilduff, call DFAC at 727.298.DFAC .

DFAC is located at 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698.

I heard of this little establishment via other Tampa blogs and put it high on my list to eat. Savvy Jacks, a little Parisian influenced Southern food oasis, sits just off Fowler Ave. on 56th street. It’s said to be known for the Parisian couple that owns the joint and their ability to fuse Parisian and American Southern comfort food. Well I have to try that!

I set out one Saturday afternoon with high hopes.

My hopes would not be met.

The décor was A-typical. Country French mixed with St. Pete Beach Mom & Pop. It was 1:30 when I arrived and Savvy Jacks closes at 2 PM, so the place wasn’t packed to the gills. Three other diners sat at oddly uncomfortable tables. Ya know those tables that sit amazing low and are paired with amazingly high chairs, so your thighs have to squeeze under. Hey, once upon a time I was a size 0. Not anymore!

The menu offered American breakfast staples like Biscuits and Gravy and also offered the Parisian staples, omelets, eggs benedict, and crepes. A modest Lunch section offered hot and cold sandwiches and entrees (it is typical in France to eat your biggest meal at Lunch) along with salads and deserts.

I settled on the Ham and Cheese Crepe with mixed vegetables and my Hubby choose the Biscuits and Gravy Platter. Both were nominally priced, I think both were $8 or $9. We patiently waited as we heard one of the other diners pronounce his love for the food. His exact words were “This was the best Breakfast I have ever had.” Being that the man had to be in his late forties, I thought that was an amazing commitment.

Ahhh, finally our dishes arrived. At first, both dishes looked delectably delicious. Quickly, we realized the Gravy for the biscuits was not the traditional American Sausage gravy, but rather a Béchamel sauce. That’s fine. Hell, I’m married to a classically French trained Executive Chef. I’m used to getting new pairings. Not to mention, I love Béchamel. Unfortunately, it was the blandest Béchamel I have ever had in my life. The texture was perfection, but it was like eating air. Where was the onion piqué? No bay leaf. Not even a hint of nutmeg. This was simply flour, butter, and milk. There wasn’t even any pepper. The biscuit was not cook thoroughly, leaving a taste of raw flour behind. The accompaniment, Ham, had been reheated on a flat top. I know this because the grease from the flat top still dripped off the Ham. The potatoes were all right. No seasoning would be found here either. I actually had to use the salt and peppershaker on the table, something I rarely do. They would be good at a greasy spoon diner, but this place?

The Ham and Cheese crepe was just as disappointing. The crepe was nothing special and was filled with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced deli ham that had that familiar flat top grease dripping off of it. Béchamel topped the crepe, again, a tasteless sauce. The mixed vegetables, which were almost Ratatouille, were awful. They had the potential to be very good. It was obvious the vegetables were cubed fresh, but there was NO seasoning and they had been cooked on that greasy flat top. So much that the veggies laid in their puddle of flat top grease.

I kept wondering as I shoveled greasy yellow squash into my mouth and nodded with a smile as the waitress asked how things were going. What the hell did that guy have that made it the best breakfast he’d ever eaten? Perhaps my Mother-in-law had cooked for him the 40 something year’s prior.

This was an extremely disappointing visit. You be the judge.

11401 N 56th St # 22
Tampa, FL 33617
(813) 914-8804

OK, so who is gonna’ mark a ballot next week (or mail in an absentee ballott, or perhaps early vote)?

 Loading ...

Besides the Presidential Primary, the property tax amendment (Amendment 1) will be on the table for your consideration as well as other referendums and local items depending on where you’re voting….

But maybe you don’t want to spend your weekend hanging out with fake pirates. Are there other options in Tampa?

I have decided that I’m going to pass on the day parade this year. We will have two small children this weekend, and dragging them for miles around downtown and Bayshore Blvd all day does not appeal to me. Besides, we have another that recently turned 18, and she wants to go to the night parade. I would rather hang out with her, than imagine her in Ybor City with her small Krewe of nearly eighteen-ers! So this gives me another reason to skip the day parade.

Now there is nothing harder to do than to find stuff to do with young kids on a Gasparilla weekend in Tampa, but Pinellas County has some great offerings! Here are a few things we’ll consider with the youngsters.

26 Jan. Saturday - Pinellas Folk Festival – 10am-430pm at Heritage Village 11909 125th St. Largo. 727-582-2123, Free Event.

Listen to dozens of the Tampa Bay area’s premier folk musicians on traditional folk, gospel, country and bluegrass music on stages throughout the Village; historical demonstrations, food court old-time games, storytelling, traditional craft demonstrations, traditional fiber arts show, “Fleece to Shawl” activities, antique cars and more! Free parking and shuttle to event entrance located on 119th St. between Ulmerton and Walsingham Roads.

26 Jan. Saturday – Touch A Truck and Clown Day – 11am-4pm at Largo Central Park 101 Central Park Dr. Largo, Event is free.

BIG trucks, LOUD horns and SMILING faces! That is what you will encounter at the City of Largo’s Touch-a-Truck and Florida Clown Day. January 26th, 2008, from 11:00 to 4:00pm, in Largo Central Park. This fantastic event is in its 13th year and brings out every kind of vehicle you can think of…dump trucks, fire trucks, motorcycles, buses, power trucks, military vehicles and even a helicopter. Children have the time of their life as they climb in the trucks, bounce on inflatables, have their face painted, ride the train, and enjoy delicious food.

26-27 Jan. Sat-Sun. - St Pete Beach Craft Festival – 10am-4pm both days along Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach. Free admission

Corey Avenue, one of the area’s main streets, will turn into a living art gallery with the 14th Annual St. Pete Beach Corey Area Art & Craft Fair and 200 of the nation’s top artists and crafters. There’s something for everyone at this event that blends great art, contemporary crafts and a Green Market.

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend whatever you choose to do!

Another week and we have earned another dollar, so let’s go spend it around town. Courtesy of Weekly Options, here are a few of the Pirate Events in Tampa for you to attend and enjoy for a few bucks!

25 Jan. Friday - Rough Riders Gasparilla Eve Annual Party – 6-11pm at Embassy Suites 513 S Florida Ave. Tampa. Buffet, dancing, music and more. 35$.

A Fabulous Buffet Will Be Served From 6:30 to 9:30 and music by Otis and the Old School Band. Rough Rider Members are free and guests are $35.00 per person which includes buffet and two drink tickets per person. Payment due in advance and reservations are required. Call Club Secretary Iris with credit card info at 813-248-1898.

26 Jan. Saturday – Gasparilla 11am - ? Downtown Tampa

The pirate invasion of Tampa will begin at 11am in the south end of Tampa Bay and then docking at the Tampa Convention Center at 1pm. At that time the Mayor will have to hand over the key to the city. With the key to the city in hand they will begin the parade of pirates down Bayshore Blvd.

26 Jan. Saturday - Gasparilla Pre-Parade Brunch – 10am-Noon at the University of Tampa Plant Hall West Verandah 401 W. Kennedy Tampa.

Join UT alumni & friends for the annual Gasparilla Brunch on Saturday, January 26th from 10 AM until noon. Enjoy an all you can eat breakfast buffet, an open bar, and free parking while you get ready for the parade. Tampa Alpha Members and children under 5 are free, $35 per adult guest in advance ($40 at the door), $10 for children ages 6 to 13 in advance ($15 at the door), Children 5 and under are free.

26 Jan. Saturday – Gasparilla Invasion Brunch - 10am-1pm at the Tampa Convention Center 333 S. Franklin St. Tampa.55$ adults, 45$ child.

This event includes a buffet brunch, live entertainment and a reserved seat with the best view of the invasion. Pirates from the Ye Mystic Krewe will return to this location after the invasion to get a bite to eat with you. You must have a reserved ticket and to do so call 813-353-8108 before 2pm Monday – Friday before the 26th.

26 Jan. Saturday – TBT Pirate Invasion Party – 10am-2pm poolside at Westin Harbour Island 725 South Harbor Island Blvd.

Drink specials, music and a fantastic view of the Gasparilla Invasion. 25$ advance, 15$ general admission. MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND! Arrive early for best parking options. The bridge crossing over to Harbour Island will close at 9:30 a.m. The Westin Harbour Island does not provide free parking. The Pirate Fest Buffet will be included with the purchase of a VIP ticket/ VIP table only. All other food and drinks can be purchased on site. Tickets after Jan. 24: VIP, $35 General Admission: $25 for reservations and details call (727) 893-8602

Whether you eat at one of these events or not make sure you do eat before you start the drinking part of this great parade! The list of things to remember have already been posted here at Sticks so read over them, pick your seating area or venue and have fun!

One of TBO’s “Most Viewed” on Wednesday included a story about Largo Police busting fake massage therapists.

Apparently three young folks advertised their services in the “e rotica” category on Craigslist. For a small fee, you could get a massage, and the bonus is that your masseuse would also be completely unclothed. Kinnn-keee, huh?

The problem is that none of the three were licensed health care professionals.

So Largo Police conducted a highly sensitive undercover operation to oust these dangers to society, and set out to learn just what the heck was going on. Alas, the cops only went “all the way” with only two of the three offenders. It seems that the super-secret operation was suspended with 33% of the work left to do. Read on, friends, with my emphasis on the action phrases:

Brooke Lindsey Tatman, 20, of Seminole… performed the massage in the nude on the undercover detective, according to an arrest affidavit.

Also arrested was Jude Dentici, who arrest affidavits say also performed a massage on an undercover detective while nude.

The third person arrested was Robert “Dickie” Lamert, 22, arrest affidavits state. He offered to massage an undercover detective…

The article doesn’t really explain why Brooke and Jude had to go through with their performances on the undercover (heh) detective, while “Dickie” just had to make the offer.

Sure, there’s the argument that the cops could be out arresting “real” criminals. But then how would they get their free massages - performed by (only the right kind of) na ked people?

Here are my top ten tips for successfully getting through Gasparilla Day:

1. Eat a decent breakfast. You never know where your next meal might be.
2. Pack light. Leave the coolers at home.
3. Hide a $20 in your sock. You will need it later.
4. Sunscreen. Trust me on this one.
5. Charge your cell phone the night before.
6. Bring a disposable camera. If you lose it no biggie.
7. Pace your intake of adult beverages. Mix in a water now and then.
8. Be patient. Standing in line will occur more than once.
9. Show some respect for the kids and seniors. There will be plenty of beads for everyone.
10. Just when you think you have seen it all, you will see something that makes you go WTF?