Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

OK, I admit it - I don’t get out much anymore.  Three kids under seven at home will do that to a couple.  But sometimes you just need to get out of the house.

I am a long time karaoke junkie. I’ve been haunting the best (and worst) karaoke bars in the Bay Area for 12 years. When I heard about Rock Star Fridays at Stump’s Supper Club at Channelside, I just had to check it out.

102.5 The Bone has been pushing this heavily the past few weeks and had folks from the Cowhead Show on hand as well.

The cover was very reasonable, only $5.  They offered $1 Bud drafts all night, plus well prices are reasonable. If you have never been to Stump’s, it’s very nice. We sat at the bar towards the back, which has an indoor portion and an outdoor area on the water. My wife smokes, so this is where we ended up. We still had a good view of the stage and could hear everything, despite being outside.

The Jimmy James Experience, led by Tommy Tutone bass guitarist Jimmy James, is the house band for Stump’s. They’ve been there seven years now. They are an awesome band, but for karaoke night they played without their normal sax player and female lead vocalist. But the sound was really tight.

I was nervous, I had never sung before such a large crowd. There were probably 100 people on the dance area in front of the stage and the place was filled to capacity with patrons. Add to that the excitement of being on stage with a real band, and I was in need of some liquid encouragement.

The only drawback is that they do not have lyrics on a monitor like a standard karaoke show. No “bouncing ball.” So I would recommend that you pick a song you know well. I chose one of my 80′ s standards, Simple Minds’ “Don’t You Forget About Me.” I did alright, I know I was a bit tipsy and flubbed a little, but the crowd did not seem to notice, they really got into it.

OK, and now for the icing on the cake. They put your video on YouTube. From the looks of it they get to it midweek, so Tuesday or Wednesday the videos from the previous Friday are posted. Just add famousleo to your subscriptions and you’ll get the new ones as they are posted.

I highly recommend Rockstar Fridays. I will definitely be back for it.

We received another question for Ask-a-Tampan:

Does anyone know where I can buy cuban sugar cookies (from a bakery on Armenia Ave or La Terisita etc) and have them shipped to me in Tucson AZ?

YUMMMmmmmm…  Cuban Sugar Cookies…   Torticas de Morón…

Of course, when you are looking for authentic Cuban bakeries, Tampa is the place to go.  Unfortunately, niether La Teresita nor La Segunda has a website that I could find.  Alessi Bakeries has a website, but you cannot order anything online. You can reach Alessi at 813.879.4544, and La Teresita at 813.879.9704.

But did you know that you can make ‘em yourself?  Here is a recipe for Torticas de Morón.

Anyone have experience with shipping cuban sugar cookies across the US?  Who do you contact?

Channelside Bay Plaza (formerly known as the “Shoppes at Channelside,” which was formerly known as “Channelside at Garrison Seaport”) is seven years old. The St. Pete Times says Channelside businesses are struggling, mainly because locals don’t frequent the place.

Nope - locals don’t go. But that is not the only thing - Channelside Bay Plaza has all sorts of problems.

First of all, Channelside businesses don’t really get along.

Remember, Hooters paid for a trolley to get downtown workers over to Channelside during weekday lunchtime. But after four years, and with trolley visitors spending money at several Channelside stores, none of the other businesses wanted to help with the cost, and so the trolley no longer runs.

Guy Revelle has an ownership stake in Stump’s, Howl at the Moon, Splitsville, and Tinatapas - four places that serve alcohol. When other drinking-only establishments attempted to open, Revelle, who never misses an opportunity to be quoted, whined about Channelside becoming a mini Ybor City.

Next on the list is Channelside’s terrible marketing. I only hear about Channelside around major events, and they seem to want to capture only downtown visitors (not locals). In fact, we don’t hear much of anything since Channelside marketing director Susan Martin over two years ago (found in a July 2006 tbt* column spelling out Channelside’s marketing problems).

But even worse than just limited advertising, are the individual businesses failure to provide any consistency. Unless there is something big going on nearby, many of the businesses don’t bother keeping their places open. Back to the Times article:

Business people walk over from their hotels only to find the complex half-closed.

“We get a lot of tourists who are in their hotels looking for something to do. They come down here during the day and say, ‘This is it?’” - Tinatapas bartender Jason Lewis

Area residents have all been there at least once. But not many are going back. Besides the fact that parking is expensive AND a pain in the ass, Channelside Bay Plaza is so visitor-oriented that it comes off as some lame-ass tourist trap:

“There’s nothing down there to draw you. It’s over-rated.” - Channel District resident Denise Becknell

“I really don’t go over there.” “It’s so young. It’s all clubs.” “I don’t think it’s high quality.” “It’s kind of cheesy.” - 36 year old Victory Lofts resdident Jill Lifsey

“It’s pretty plastic.” - Channel District dance studio owner Luisa Meshekoff

Yeah - Channelside residential buildings are full of empty space.  But if the shopping center wants to thrive, they are still going to need local support.  Tampa Bay residents need a good reason to go though the hassles of parking, and Channelside simply doesn’t offer much to fight that perception.

Your afternoon daily news:

Tribune Front: 

• Remember nearly a year ago when there was concern about the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir having cracks?  TBO’s Mike Salinero and Steve Andrews follow up and finds that some of the cement walls are only 3 inches thick when they should be a foot.  The worst part?  Tampa Bay Water knew about this in November, and are just now getting around to telling folks - 6 months later.  TBW Executive Director Gerald Seeber says everything is fine, and there is nothing to worry about.  I wonder if Gerry lives next door to the thing.

Times Front:

• Red Sox fans in Tampa Bay are starting to root for the Rays.
• Like the airlines, local restaurants are beginning to nickel and dime their customers, adding fees for lettuce, extra sauce, and other stuff.  Some have created new lower-priced menus.

Tribune Metro:

• The 93 year old elevator at Tampa City Hall is getting electricity.
• Pinellas County commissioners approved an agreement with a development group that plans to build a massive town center-type project on the 240-acre former Toytown landfill in northeast St. Petersburg.  Might they work with the Rays on a new stadium?  They might.

Times Local:

• Former Miss Georgia Jennifer Holloway is leaving Bay News 9 to focus on promoting the exercise machine she invented, the Workout 180.

I’d heard rumors that a restaurant was going to occupy the abandon gas station at the corner of Platt and S Boulevard. Then, while attending a City Council hearing, I heard of a new restaurant going by the name Smoke. I thought it was very clever, the name, Smoke. The lawyer, representing the owner’s of Smoke, declared it would be a barbeque restaurant unlike anything Tampa had seen. I made a mental note and filed it away, “try Smoke.”

Running errands, I found myself at this very corner today and remembered the buzz. Suddenly, I had time for lunch.

From all corners of Platt and S. Boulevard, one can see the red circle Smoke sign hanging from a chain. It reads: Smoke Barbeque and Grill

I rolled into the gravel parking lot and saw a few men sitting outside at the patio tables. It was just quarter past 11 A.M. They were sitting at a table, lined and ready for a large party. The patio was very nice, well kept. It felt kind of sheik, but this is BBQ isn’t it?

(more…)

Charity Dinner, part 5

Without much thought, I agreed that my husband and I would put on a charity dinner for the Boy Scouts.  Then I panicked.  Then I freaked out.  Then I formulated a plan.

The Noho Bistro was kind enough to donate space for the dinner. Publix and La Cense Beef donated food for the cause, and Vintage Wine Cellars donated the wine. Now we can create a great dinner to raise money for the Boy Scouts.

Greg designed a soup and entrée course, a celeriac root and roasted chile soup with cilantro oil and cardamom crème fresh and a pan roasted petit sirloin with tomato gazpacho coulis, zucchini and fennel “pappardelle”, and orange-almond-mint gremolata.  While NoHo chef and co-owner Jessica left us with a homemade cherry sorbet and Mexican chocolate cookies for dessert. Divine does not explain that sorbet nor the cookies.

NoHo chef and co-owner Tina ensured everything went to the tables perfectly, with help from our friends, Fred Stolz and Joe Prince.  They all received a standing ovation, and even stuck around to help clean the place up at the end of the night.

My FOH crew was made up of volunteers also. Carol Gualdiero and Sally Martin (Greg’s cousins) and our neighbor and friend, Marianne Santilli all volunteered to give up their Friday nights.

The celebrities? Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers), Michael Winslow (Police Academy, think the beat box man), Mark Goddard (Lost In Space) and Erin Gray (Buck Rogers) were just a few. Everyone was very, very gracious and thankful. Okay, one had too much to drink and had to be reminded by Greg to maintain his composure, while another kept groping my neighbor, but hey, it’s Hollywood!

Tommy has allowed me to list all of the donating businesses on Sticks Of Fire to the right. Please visit their sites and their stores. These are the kinds of businesses we need to support in Tampa. Ya know, for the Boy Scouts.

Thanks again, to everyone.

Charity Dinner, part 2

Without much thought, I agreed that my husband and I would put on a charity dinner for the Boy Scouts.  Then I panicked.  Then I freaked out.  Then I formulated a plan.

I would beg and plead with everyone I knew in the food industry. I suspected I would have to trade my soul for the help, but I was willing, it’s for the Boy Scouts after all.

First of all, I needed a place.  So I called my friends at The Noho Bistro, Jessica and Tina.

If you’re not aware of The Noho Bistro, you need to make plans tout-suite. They serve an amazingly delicious, casual yet elegant lunch menu and offer catering. Their menu is seasonal, which is just plain awesome. Greg and I equate Jessica and Tina’s (both Chefs) cooking style to well-trained, classically French taught chefs who know what they are doing in the kitchen. Rumor has it they will be opening for dinner in the fall, and I can guarantee these ladies are going to make SoHo restaurants work for their money. I am still raving over the Duck Confit Salad with Pancetta and Cranberries I had last fall. The Pancetta was baked slightly, forming nouveau rose buds. It was gorgeous and divine. Not to mention their Bison Burgers SHOULD have won the Creative Loafing Best Burger Competition.

On with the begging.

“Sure, we’ll pair up with you. It’s for the Boy Scouts,” stated Jessica.

It can’t be this easy?  Can it? 

If you plan to dine soon at The Noho Bistro, please tell ‘em how great they are for donating their space.

I’ll still need food and wine, but at least I have the place.

To be continued…

This is OUR weekend, moms, and we should do whatever we want!

It felt really good to write that!

Of all the holidays in the calendar, I love Mother’s Day weekend the best (possible exception - my birthday)!

Now, if I get my way this weekend, I will be on the boat Saturday, listening to JGLB Saturday night and sleeping half the day away on Sunday! I’m pretty sure I will get my way because my little one will be at her mom’s this weekend and the older one is scheduled to work Saturday and a double shift on Sunday.

Don’t feel bad for me, I already received my card and gift from the little one with a BIG kiss and hug, and she should always spend mother’s day with her mommy! And I know my older one will HAVE to serve me that day, because I will go to the restaurant to make sure of it!  HA!

So what do you have planned?  Here are some ideas:

Saturday May 10 - Vinyl Records and CD Show from 8am until 3pm at the Holiday Inn Express, 4732 Dale Mabry, Tampa. I found this interesting for fans of the record player! This show is going to feature 45’s and LP’s covering the oldies, pop, rock, classical and everything in between. They will also have record supplies and even some CD’s. FMI call 727-251-9458. If anyone sees a beige plastic record player with a hinged top, it’s mine from my teen years and I miss it very much!

Saturday May 10 - Free Kids Movie at 10am at the Beach Theatre, 315 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach. This is the second time the Beach Theatre has made my list.  “Why” you ask?  Because it offers FREE movies!  This Saturday you can take your kids there to see Grease starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. This is my daughter’s favorite movie of all time, and I really feel it is timeless. Also, 5/17 The Black Stallion and 5/24 Nancy Drew: Troubleshooter will be shown to kids for free. FMI call: 727-360-6697 or go to beach-theatre.com.

Saturday May 10 - The Princess and the Pea, 11am, Largo Cultral Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. This performance will cost you from $5-$7. a valuable lesson will be taught to the entire royal court about first impressions, personal decisions and true love in this toe tapping musical. I have only read this book a million times as a child, I think this live play would be fun for a family outing.

Sunday, Mothers Day, May 11 - A Mother’s Day Brunch at Don Vicente De Ybor Historical Inn 1915 Republica De Cuba Avenue, Ybor City, seatings at 11am and 1pm. This beautiful inn would be a nice change from Denny’s, McDonalds or the Golden Corral buffet! I say spend a little on Mother’s Day!  Of course, I am biased, but c’mon, get off your wallet, MOM is worth it!  The price is $32 for adults and $12 for kids. You will need to call and RSVP (make reservations) and you can get the menu choices as well, call 813-241-4545. For more info you can also go to DonVicenteInn.com.

Sunday, Mother’s Day, May 11^th, A Mother’s Day Celebration at the Red Rose Inn 2011 N. Wheeler Street, Plant City at 4pm. This famous hotel (famous in Plant City, at least) is having a grand celebration with live entertainment, a full buffet, desserts, and a flowing pink and lilac chocolate fountain. It will cost up to $29.95.  I have been to the Red Rose and it is very nice and I’m sure this will be a very special time for all the moms!