Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

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!

I actually really love Tampa and Florida; I just abhor some of the things people do here to destroy what’s left of our natural resources and make us all look like a bunch of carpetbaggers (Jeb! Bush), swampwater yahoos (Rhonda Storms and Brian Blair), and bilious scalawags (Buddy Johnson).

But there are plenty of political opinions out there far more informed than mine, and I do want to start out on a positive note if it’s not too late. So I’ll tell you about a faboo new restaurant that has been open only eight weeks and is already on my list of favorite places to hang out, especially in North Tampa. The Toasted Pheasant dwells in a nondescript strip mall at 14445 North Dale Mabry, but what’s going on inside is truly special. The freshly prepared food is exceptional, the wine list interesting and affordable, and the service is friendly and unpretentious. You’re going to be hearing a lot more about this place soon. The Weekly Planet has already reviewed it and the owner told me the SP Times reviewer has also called a few times to ask questions, so get in there and enjoy before it’s mobbed by bored South Tampa yuppies slumming north of Kennedy. (Damn, I am acerbic, even when I’m being positive.)

Okay, now for my cranky side. Have you been to Apollo Beach lately? Developers have been busily building new ghettos down there. It looks like one big public housing project down there with miles and miles of cookie-cutter, cheesy faux Seaside-style buildings and ugly, sterile, bauhaus-looking condos, at least half of which are unfinished and even more of which sport for sale signs. And best of all, that glorious view of the pollution-spewing smokestacks of Big Bend power plant. Who would want to live there?

No, really, I’m asking. Do you live there? If so, why?

When’s the last time you took a leisurely drive down Bayshore Boulevard and ate at the Colonnade Restaurant?

It’s been said that people often see less of the attractions in their own home town than tourists do. I know - it’s hard to think of just driving down a street with beautiful houses and stopping at an area restaurant in your own home town as an “attraction” - but try this sometime on a Saturday or Sunday evening just before sunset. When the need for a vacation crops up but isn’t possible, this will help.

Or, maybe you live on the Clearwater/St. Pete side and don’t know about this.

Head south on Bayshore starting from downtown Tampa. On your right are blocks full of spectacular, sprawling houses ranging in design from Victorian to 1960’s ranch-style homes. Drink in the rainbow range of colors, textures and landscaping (the only unfortunate thing is the skyscraping condos going up inbetween. Try to ignore them!).

To the left is one of the longest walking and jogging paths in the United States, and beyond that the gorgeous waterfront view looking back at downtown, with its pink and smoked glass buildings glistening in the late afternoon sun.

Securing the path from the waterfront is an elegant white stone architectural wall, about waist-high so as not to block the sightseeing. For Civil War tourism buffs, it’s all very reminiscent of Battery Row in Charleston, South Carolina, with its antebellum mansions strategically placed to overlook the water as the ships would come in. 

Just when it seems this mini-tour is coming to an end, you’ll spot a rustic looking restaurant on the right called The Colonnade. PULL IN! You are in for a treat. Mentioned briefly in a 2007 Sticks column by Judy Hill, the Colonnade Restaurant has been a Tampa mainstay for the last 70 years, yet seems to remain a secret from many residents who don’t live in that particular area of Tampa.

The Colonnade boasts fresh seafood daily and another unbeatable waterfront view from almost anywhere you sit, although the window tables are to die for. And if you arrive there by 5:00, it’s a good bet you’ll get one. Sitting here, you can almost imagine being on someone’s yacht 10 miles offshore in the Gulf. In fact, you may see some skimming by. When it’s a clear day, the sun shimmers on the water like diamonds.

If there’s a wait for a table, go into the long hallway leading to the seating and look at the pictures of Bayshore Boulevard’s historical past.

Be very hungry or plan on taking boxes home! A favorite special of mine, often featured on the Colonnade menu, is the unique almond and corn flake-coated grouper with outstanding coleslaw. But on a regular basis you can get fried catfish that doesn’t taste like catfish anywhere else. The batter recipe is unique to this establishment, and the fish is smooth and mouth-watering. To me, the sign of a good piece of cooked fish is whether the leftovers warm up well the next day, and this certainly does. Try the fried green tomatoes as an appetizer or side.

The best part is that many of the Colonnade’s entrees are very reasonably priced, almost at rollback prices, and still served with a salad at no extra cost – a practice many restaurants are now charging for. And the service is excellent, too.

Before leaving the parking lot, grab that camera you keep in the glove compartment for impromptu shots, and stand your party against the walkway railing with the city and the water in the background. It’s a keeper. 

Haven’t had enough? Drive back toward downtown and you are 8 minutes from Channelside Bay Plaza, one of Tampa’s latest rejuvenation projects. Have a coffee and dessert, stroll the shops and boutiques,  listen to music outdoors and scope out a restaurant for next weekend’s dinner. 

Or, head the other direction and check out coffee in the South Howard area now known as Tampa’s own “SoHo“. 

You’ll go home wanting to start a vacation scrapbook.