Get ready to move it, move it! Saturday, May 18, Busch Gardens Tampa will unveil its newest live stage show, “Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation”. Guests will party alongside their favorite characters from the hit “Madagascar” movie series, including Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo and King Julien!

To go along with the show’s premiere on Saturday, the park is hosting a weekend-long party with on-the-hour dance parties and character meet and greets in the newly renovated Stanleyville Theater. In addition, famous animal expert “Jungle Jack” Hanna will share animal facts and travel tales during shows at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each day of premiere weekend!

Excitement is spreading fast, and Busch Gardens Tampa President Jim Dean is no exception: “We are thrilled to partner with DreamWorks Animation to bring the hugely popular Madagascar Characters to Busch Gardens,” says Dean. “The show is certain to have families engaged and amused, and will round out the triple play of amazing shows, thrilling rides and unique animal encounters that our park delivers.”

The live stage show will encourage families to sing, clap and dance along to original songs and party favorites during the 20-minute musical adventure. Following the show, guest can continue the party at the Gwazi and Cheetah Hunt plazas. This Saturday night ONLY, May 18 the Gwazi Plaza will remain open for 30 minutes after park closing for a special character meet and greet, followed by a fireworks spectacular at 8:30 p.m.

 “Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation” premiere weekend is one party you don’t want to miss! For tickets and more details visit Busch Gardens Tampa online or call 1-888-800-5447. Admission to “Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation” is included in regular admission price.

The Florida Aquarium invites you to party under the sea at its first annual Carnaval Del Mar on Sunday May 19! The undersea extravaganza begins at 9:30 a.m. and will feature colorful costumes, stilt walkers, capoeira dancers, hula hoop performers, and everyone’s favorite sea creatures! Join in on a scavenger hunt that takes you on an undersea adventure through the aquarium, get your face painted as your favorite sea creature, and dance in the Carnaval parade to celebrate aquatic life in classic Latin-American fashion.

Carnaval Del Mar is included in the regular admission price of $21.95 for adults with discounts available for seniors and children.

The Florida Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa. For details and tickets, call 813.273.4000 or visit The Florida Aquarium online.

Stay tuned for more fun things to do in Tampa Bay!

Tampa Bay was notorious for its speakeasies during the Prohibition era of the 1920s, illegally selling and producing liquor’s cheap alternative, moonshine, or if lucky, liquor that had been smuggled in. Because of Tampa’s location, smugglers were easily able to bring in unlawful goods, such as liquor, from Cuba and the Bahamas.

Speakeasies earned their name from patrons speaking quietly about the bar or even speaking quietly while actually in the bar, to be sure not to attract attention from police.

Tampa Bay’s speakeasy past is being brought back to life in season 4 of Boardwalk Empire, where Patricia Arquette plays a major recurring role as Sally Wheet, a Tampa speakeasy owner. The HBO Series is set in the Prohibition era in Atlantic City, N.J, and season 4 is currently in production for a debut later this year.

In mid-2010, Tampa Bay also returned to its speakeasy tradition, except with a modern-day twist, with the opening of Ciro’s Speakeasy & Restaurant. Capturing the spirit of the Roaring Twenties from the handcrafted cocktails (minus the moonshine!) to the inconspicuous location of the bar, Ciro’s requires guests to whisper a password through a slot in the door.  

See an incredible lineup of over 60 bands on 10 stages this weekend, May 10-11, as WMNF’s 32^nd annual Tropical Heatwave takes over Ybor City! Some of the must –sees from this weekend’s festival include:

• Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison ( El Pasaje Plaza, May 11 @ 7:05 p.m.)
• The Heligoats (Cuban Club Cantina, May 11 @ 8:10 p.m.)
• Cody ChesnuTT  (The Ritz, May 11 @ 10:25 p.m.)
• Ponderosa  (The Crowbar, May 11 @ 10:40 p.m.)
• Southern Hospitality (Cuban Club Bandshell on the Patio, May 11 @ 10:50 p.m.)
• Dubtonic Kru (El Pasaje Plaza, May 11 @ 12:10 a.m.)

And it doesn’t stop at just music; this entertainment extravaganza will feature local artists, fantastic food and handmade crafts lining 9^th Ave. in Ybor! If you like discovering new music, art and great food, Tropical Heatwave in Ybor City is the place to be this weekend!

The fun starts tonight, May 10, at 6p.m. with the Saturday festival kicking off at 2 p.m. Hosting venues include Crowbar, CL Space, The Cuban Club, El Pasaje Plaza, New World Brewery, The Ritz Ybor, and The Roosevelt 2.0. Weekend passes are $40 in advance/50$ at the door. Friday passes $20/$30; Saturday passes $30/$40.Click here for tickets and directions. For any further questions contact 813-238-8001.

Stay tuned for more fun things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay, including mother's day brunch!

Visit a Tampa landmark this Saturday for National Train Day! Tampa Union Station, Tampa Bay’s 101-year-old train station, is hosting a free celebration in honor of America’s love for trains. Saturday marks 144 years of connecting travelers coast to coast and commemorates the day the first transcontinental railroad was created.

In addition to live music and food trucks, National Train Day will feature:

• Railroad equipment displays and tours
• Operating model trains including LEGO and HO-, G- and N- scale trains from the Suncoast Model Railroad Club, The H.B. Plant Railroad Historical Society and others
• Historical exhibits from the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library/Burgert Brothers photograph collection, Operation Lifesaver, the Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers, Atlantic Coast Line & Seaboard Air Line Railroads Historical Society, Tampa Bay History Center, City of Tampa Historic Preservation and Urban Design, Tampa Preservation, Friends of Tampa Union Station, and more.
• Train simulators

National Train Day will be held on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Tampa Union Station, which is located at the corner of Nebraska Avenue, Twiggs Street, and Nuccio Parkway in Downtown Tampa, on the edge of Ybor City at 601 N. Nebraska Avenue. Call 727-365-4077 for more information.

Stay tuned for more fun weekend activities!

These Tampa Bay locations are rolling out the red carpet for Moms to enjoy brunch on Mother’s Day:

Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi - Treat Mom to a delicious buffet at Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi! Chef Yamani is preparing 70 savory items for the buffet, including omelets, sushi rolls and desserts that will make Mom feel absolutely spoiled on her special day! Cost is $34.95 per person and kids’ rates are available. Contact Jackson’s for details at 813-277-0112. Brunched served from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Located at 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa.

Maestro's Mother's Day Brunch - If you find yourself downtown by the Straz Center on Mother’s Day, be sure to head on over to Maestro’s Restaurant for brunch! Maestro’s will be hosting a two delicious brunches, one at 11 a.m. and another at 1:30 p.m., to celebrate Mother’s Day with all of Tampa’s Moms!  To make reservation, call 813.229.STAR (7827). Located at 1010 North MacInnes Pl., Tampa. Download the full menu by clicking here.

Sono's Mother's Day Brunch - Sono’s Café is treating Moms to a delicious three course meal for only $19! Enjoy Bloody Mary’s and the Bubbly Bar for $8. Kids eat for just $12! At no extra charge, Mom can enjoy The Tampa Museum of Art while the kids take part in supervised art activities! For reservations call 813-421-8381. Serving brunch from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Located at 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa.

Second Line Café (the NOLA café) - No need to head to Lousiana! Take Mom to experience the flavor of New Orleans this Mother’s Day! Just drive on over to the Second Line Café at 301 W. Platt St., Tampa, and enjoy free Beignets compliments of the NOLA Café! Call 813-258-8778 for details. Open Sunday from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Mother’s Day Brunch & Dinner Cruises aboard Yacht StarShip - Spoil Mom this Mother’s Day with an exquisite dining experience aboard the Yacht StarShip! The whole family can enjoy gourmet food while soaking in the beautiful sights of Tampa Bay. Take Mom out for brunch or opt for dinner instead and witness an amazing golden sunset.  Tickets are $44.95 for adults and $29.95 for kids, and to celebrate Mother’s Day, Mom gets in free with the purchase of three tickets. Located at 603 Channelside Dr., Tampa.

Pelagia Trattoria Mother’s Day Brunch – Pelagia Trattoria at International Mall will host a Mother’s Day Brunch this weekend, May 12. The brunch buffet will feature classics such as pancakes, omelets and much more! Tickets are $49 for adults and only $18 for kids 12 and under. Located at 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa. Call 813-313-3235 for details.

Spain Restaurant and TOMA bar - The Spain Restaurant is celebrating Mother’s Day by rolling out a special menu! The Mother's Day menu offers mixed green salad, a choice of five amazing entrees, and a side dish for just $15. Located at 513 N. Tampa St., Tampa. Open Sunday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Contact 813-223-2831 for details and reservations.

TAPs Restaurant, Bar and Lounge - TAPS is giving Mom a free meal with the purchase of another meal of equal or greater value! For locations and details, contact 813-463-1968.

Mangroves SoHo Mother’s Day Brunch - Mangroves SoHo is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch with live entertainment, $5 Bloody Marys and a delicious selection of brunch favorites including Huevos Rancheros, West Coast Toast, classic Eggs Benedict and more! Mangroves will be open this Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m and is located at 208 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. Contact 813-258-3302 for details.

Ocean Prime Tampa - Enjoy a special Mother's Day brunch menu at Ocean Prime featuring mimosas, blueberry french toast, short rib hash, crab & eggs, and more! Ocean Prime is located in front of Tampa International Plaza at 2205 N. West Shore Boulevard, Tampa. Call 813-490-5288 for more information.

Stay tuned for more things to do this weekend in Tampa Bay!

May is packed full of musical entertainment performances from the Florida Orchestra, including a concert in the park and morning coffee concerts.

May 10: The Music of the Doors – Rock Series

Saluting the raw energy, edgy lyrics and often wild stage presence of this ground-breaking iconic group, the lead singer of the rock band Zebra, Randy Jackson, is the featured vocal soloist with The Florida Orchestra. It will be a sizzling tribute concert featuring 21 hits by The Doors, including Touch Me, Riders on the Storm, Roadhouse Blues and Light My Fire. Guest Conductor is Brent Havens.

Show time: Fri, May 10 at 8pm, Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater

Tickets: $35, $55, $75

May 12: Spring Pops in the Park

Pack a picnic basket and listen to a lively mix of familiar classics and popular favorites under the stars at this free concert. Music includes John Williams’ “Raiders March” from Raiders of the Lost Ark, Henry Mancini’s film theme Moon River, music from Pirates of the Caribbean, selections from The Sound of Music, Tchaikovsky’s explosive 1812 Overture and more.

Show time: Sun, May 12 at 7:30pm, River Tower Park, Tampa.

May 15: An Intimate Collaboration

The orchestra and The Studio@620’s “Intimate Collaboration” will feature musicians from The Florida Orchestra performing chamber works by Mendelssohn and Beethoven.  There will also be a discussion about “Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7” and Liebermann’s “Concerto for Flute and Orchestra,” which are featured in the orchestra’s concerts on May 17, 18 and 19. This “Intimate Collaboration” is Wed, May 15, at 7pm at The Studio@620. Reservations are accepted by phone at 727-895-6620, as seating is limited. Suggested donation of $10 is payable at the door. The Studio@620 is at 620 First Ave. South, St. Petersburg 33701.

May 17, 18 and 19: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 – Tampa Bay Times Masterworks Series

Principal Flute Clay Ellerbroek brings to life the joyous, playful and tuneful melodies of Liebermann’s Concerto for Flute and Orchestra in this concert with Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave) and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. Guest Conductor is Tito Muñoz. There will be a Pre-concert Conversation one hour prior to curtain.

Show times: Fri, May 17 at 8pm, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Ferguson Hall; Sat, May 18 at 8pm, Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater; Sun, May 19 at 7:30pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Tickets: $15, $30, $45

May 24 and 25: Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring – Tampa Bay Times Masterworks Series

The concert opens with Messiaen’s symphonic meditation Le offrandes oubliées (The Forgotten Offerings), followed by the raw energy and breath-taking beauty of nature with the surging seas of sound in Debussy’s La Mer.  The evening concludes with the pagan-intoned orchestral power of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Guest conductor is Tito Muñoz. There will be a Pre-concert Conversation one hour prior to curtain.

Show times: Fri, May 24 at 8pm, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Carol Morsani Hall; Sat, May 25 at 8pm, Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater

Tickets: $15, $30, $45

Tickets are on sale at 800-662-7286 and online at www.floridaorchestra.org.

Become a fan of The Florida Orchestra on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Looking for something to do this weekend? We compiled a list of some of the fun things going on – there’s something for everyone!

Friday

Friday Extra Concert Series – Outdoor concert at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s Bandshell featuring Rayzilla’s Dreamboats opening for Acme Jazz Garage. The free event is presented by the City of Tampa. 7 p.m. at 7525 North Blvd., Tampa.

Funshine Music Festival (Friday-Sunday) – An excellent combination of fun and music! This weekend music festival also has thrilling rides and features bands from every genre such as Train, REO Speedwagon, Styx, The Wallflowers, Gary Allen and more. See the full list or performances here. Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa. Ticket prices vary depending on seating.

Saturday

Tampa Firefighters Pediatric Burn Survivor Run – Chip-timed 5K and one-mile street run that starts and ends at the Tampa Firefighter’s Museum and Fire Rescue Headquarters at 720 Zach St., Tampa. Every runner gets an ice cream at the finish line. The 5K is $25 and the one-mile is $15. The race starts at 8 a.m and benefits Camp Hopetake, the Children’s Burn Survivor Group.

May the Fourth be with You Party – May the fourth be with you on Star Wars Day at the Bricks of Ybor this Saturday. Starting at 5 p.m., wear your star wars costume, pose with cutouts, and get your face painted like Yoda. 1327 E. 7th Ave., Tampa.

Make your own Mother’s Day gift – Make the mother in your life a unique Mother’s Day gift at Phoenix Glass Studio and Gallery. See glass blowing demonstrations and make a glass flower, ornament, or paperweight for $50. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., 811 E. Knollwood St., Tampa.

Sunday – Celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

Green Lemon (Saturday-Sunday) – Celebrate Cinco de Mayo all weekend at the Green Lemon, from the mustache contest on Saturday to DJs all weekend. No cover charge, 915 S. Howard Ave., Tampa.  

Cinco de Drinko at the Lodge – Wear your sombrero for extra drink specials and celebrate the day with a Corona. No cover charge, 516 S. Howard Ave., Tampa.

Seminole Hard Rock Cinco de Mayo Party – Party all day with $5 blackjack, food and beverage specials in all bars and restaurants, including crunchy tacos and cheese quesadillas. Cold margaritas and Corona Lights are $2.50 from 4 p.m. until 4 a.m. Fiesta music will be played by The Current from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. 5223 North Orient Rd., Tampa.

Vallartas (Saturday-Sunday): The two-day party starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday and continues through 10 p.m. on Sunday night with a DJ and two-for-one beer and margarita happy hour from 2-7 p.m. 13731 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa.

Celebrate Día del Niño, or Day of the Child, at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo on Sunday, April 28. The fourth annual cultural festival will go from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is a tradition observed in many Latin countries as a day to celebrate children.

Along with the fun activities the Zoo always offers, this special event will feature appearances by kid favorites Dora and Diego, interactive hitting and pitching games from The Tampa Bay Rays Street Team, and live on-air broadcasting with the personalities from Univision Tampa Bay, La Maxima and Radio Disney 1380 AM.

Entertainment also includes live music by A Son De Plena, piñata enrichments for Zoo animals and delicious food and drinks inspired by Hispanic flavors.

Día del Niño activities are included with Zoo admission.

Stay tuned for more fun weekend activities!

Do you know an aspiring actor? Great programs are being taught this summer by actors themselves at the Patel Conservatory at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Auditions are being held this Saturday, April 27 at 1 p.m. for theater summer intensive programs such as “Little Shop of Horrors,” for grade nine through college students. The programs will be choreographed by Michelle Elkin, who is choreographing the TV series Baby Daddy, to premiere on ABC TV May 29.

Elkin’s film debut was performing in the musical, Annie, at age eight. She is also known for her work choreographing numerous other films and TV shows, such as the movie Wild Hogs with John Travolta, Martin Lawrence and Tim Allen; Marvin, Marvin on Nickelodeon; Warren the Ape on MTV; Your Mama Don't Dance on Lifetime; Weeds on Showtime; Twenty Good Years on CBS; Boston Legal (two episodes); Twelve Miles of Bad Road on HBO; Kristin with Kristin Chenowith on NBC; Stripmall with Julie Brown on Comedy Central; and many more.

She will also guest teach the Straz Center’s ballet summer intensive class.

Placement auditions are by appointment only. To sign up, please call 813.222.6414 or email pateltheater@strazcenter.org.

Stay tuned for more fun arts and theatre events in Tampa Bay!

Stroll among 20,000 sea creatures and sample over 140 types of wine at the Florida Aquarium’s annual Sea Grapes Wine & Food Festival on Saturday, April 27.

Visit ARAMARK’S modern lounge area featuring food stations mixed with chic lounge seating, wine sorbets, specialty drinks and more. Bring your appetite as there will be over 20 local restaurants providing food pairings – from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant to Timpano Italian Chophouse and Seasons 52.

Also enjoy live entertainment playing your favorite cover songs along with a silent auction with very unique packages, including a resort vacation for two and a suite for 16 people at a Tampa Bay Rays game.

Attend the event in ultimate style with tickets to the VIP Connoisseur’s Club with early admission (7 p.m.), VIP wine samples, cuisine from SideBern’s and Roy’s, open bar and an exclusive private auction.  The festival atmosphere will be complimented by live entertainment that changes throughout the galleries.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 813-273-4030.

Ticket pricing:    General Admission (8 p.m. – 11 p.m.): $95; $105 Day of Event
                             VIP Connoisseur's Club (7 p.m. – 11 p.m.): $225
                             Aquarium Member: $85 until April 26th

Check out our contest on Twitter TODAY (April 25) for a chance to win (2) tickets to Sea Grapes Wine & Food Festival!

Get ready for some laughs as Tracy Morgan comes to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino this Sunday, April 21! Best known for his eight seasons (1996-2003) as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL), Tracey Morgan has performed unforgettable impressions of Maya Angelou, Cuba Gooding Jr., Star Jones, Busta Rhymes, Mike Tyson, Reggie White and many others.

Morgan received a 2009 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series his most recent role as Tracey Jordon on the NBC series 30 Rock.

As a stand-up comedian and sketch-comedy player, Morgan has become a household name through his TV appearances, including the recurring character “Hustleman” on Martin, Apollo Comedy Hour, Def Comedy Jam, Entertainment Tonight, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, Showtime at the Apollo, HBO’s Snaps, Uptown Comedy Club and The View. He also co-starred with former SNL cast member Jim Breuer in Half Baked, First Sunday, The Longest Yard, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, 30 Years to Life, How High, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Why Stop Now and The Son of No One.

Limited tickets available online and at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The show begins at 8 p.m and doors open at 7 p.m.

Returning for the 28^th year, the Straz Center’s annual Best of Tampa Bay is this Saturday, April 20 at 7 p.m. Delight in delicious food and drinks provided by more than 40 of Tampa Bay’s best restaurants, caterers and vendors, such as Columbia Restaurant, Datz, Bella’s and Oystercatchers.

Enjoy live entertainment along the waterside and Riverwalk, provided by Vodkanauts, Beth McKee, Lisa Casaline and other local musicians.

The Center’s signature fundraising event attracts more than 1,700 attendees and has generated more than $2 million to benefit its programs.

General admission tickets are $65 each and include open bar, food sampling and live entertainment. Tickets may be purchased by calling 813-229-STAR (7827) or 800-955-1045, or in-person at the Straz Center Ticket Office.

Stay tuned for more fun events this weekend and follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/visittampabay and you could win #FREE tickets!

Celebrate Latin music this month at Busch Gardens’ Viva La Música concert series running each Sunday through May 5. The family-friendly event features live salsa, merengue and Spanish pop performances from award-winning Latin artists.

Enjoy flavorful cuisine provided by local favorite Taco Bus, and savor the tropical drinks including pineapple water and hibiscus lemonade. Busch Gardens will also serve Latin food from pork asado fajitas to empanadas, arepas, frozen margaritas and many more delicious dishes!

The event is included with park admission, though VIP and reserved seats can be purchased online or in the park. The VIP ticket option is $26.99 and includes a meal at any of the food sample areas along with reserved seating at center stage. Reserved seating is also available for $19.99 per person.

Viva La Música begins at noon each Sunday and the concert starts at 3 p.m on Gwazi Field. Full performance schedule:

April 21                       Oscar D'Leon

April 28                       Milly Quezada

May 5                          El Gran Combo

Stay tuned for more fun things to do in Tampa Bay!

Celebrate cigar heritage at this weekend’s seventh annual Ybor Aficionado Days! Sample delicious food from some of Ybor’s finest restaurants on Saturday’s Tapas Trail from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. while strolling the brick streets of our Historic Latin Quarter. Participating restaurants include Carmine’s, Columbia Restaurant, The Bricks Ybor, Carne ChopHouse, and many more!

Finish off your day at the After Party & Smoker at the Italian Club from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. and enjoy music, desserts, café con leche, and sample wine, rum, and beer. The “#1 Tapas on the Trail” will also be announced, so be sure to cast your vote!

Have a relaxing Sunday with a traditional Spanish brunch at Columbia Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. with live music by the Les Sabler Trio. Also see the Tapas Cooking Challenge judged by local celebrities and culinary stars.

Tickets can be purchased online at ybor.org or through the Ybor City Chamber Visitor Information Center at 813-241-838.

Ticket prices:

Saturday: $35 advance, $40 at door

Sunday: $50

Both days: $70 in advance

Stay tuned for more fun things to do in Tampa Bay!

Delight in amazing wines from Washington and California this Friday, April 12, at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar! Join special guest Michael Rugers, Certified Sommerlier and Fine Wines Specialist, and Chef Partner Ryan Mitchell as they pair the dueling wines with the following  five-course dinner menu:

First course
Grilled Prawn
caramelized brussels sprouts, chevre foam
Schweiger, Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Valley California, 2011
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Sauvignon Blanc Horse
Heaven Hills, 2011

Second course
Lobster Bisque
seared diver scallop, lobster croquet, truffle micro greens
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Chardonnay Canoe Ridge Estate Horse Heaven Hills, 2009
Beringer, Chardonnay Private Reserve Napa Valley, 2010

Third course
Stuffed Quail
spinach, garlic, honey, bing cherry gastrique, merlot reduction, black berry compote
Rodney Strong, Merlot Sonoma County, 2009
Hogue Genesis, Merlot Washington, 2008

Fourth course
Prime New York Strip
roasted shallot compound butter, twice baked blue crab potato, beet puree
Estancia, Meritage Paso Robles, 2009
Northstar Stella Maris, Columbia Valley, 2007

Fifth course
Milk Chocolate Cremose Espresso Parfait
tahitian vanilla bean, hazelnuts
Hogue Genesis, Syrah Washington, 2009
Red Car Wine Company, Syrah Sonoma Coast, 2008

Cost is $125 per guest. Call 813-874-9463 to reserve.

Stay tuned for more ways to eat and drink your way through Tampa Bay!

Hey, Kat here to tell you about the Yacht StarShip's new “Sea of Wines Celebration” cruises for spring and summer. Offered on select Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from April 4 – June 30, each cruise includes a one-hour Captain’s wine tasting reception of six premium wines on the Promenade deck before departure ($40 value).

The dinner cruise features a three-course meal, beautiful Tampa sunsets, a reserved table, music entertainment and dancing. Executive Chef Bob Barfield will also pair each course with wine.

I am planning to boarding the ship to try this fun event on April 12th, so make sure you stay tuned for photos from my journey on our social media channels!

If you can't wait until April 12th, I don't blame you... below is a list of boarding times!

Boarding Times

Thursdays and Fridays           Sundays

Boards: 6:30 PM                      Boards: 5:30 PM

Departs: 7:30 PM                     Departs: 6:30 PM

Returns: 10:00 PM                  Returns: 9:00 PM

The cost for adults is $54.95 and children are $29.95, plus taxes and fees.

Stay tuned for more fun things to do in Tampa Bay!

Taste the BEST Cuban sandwich in Florida at the second annual Cuban Sandwich Festival! Over 20 restaurants from around the state will be competing to see who makes the best Cuban sandwich.

Hosted by Lisette Campos of ABC Action News and Hillsborough County Liaison Tony Morejon, the free festival will have live music, dance performances, and over 50 Latino food, art, and cultural exhibitors.

The 2012 winners were Michelle Faedo's On The Go! coming in first place and Stone Soup Company receiving second place.

The Festival will be held this Saturday, March 30, from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in Ybor City’s Centennial Park, at 1800 E 8th Ave.

                                Photo credit: City of Tampa

The Henry B. Plant Museum’s new Language of Jewelry exhibit explores necklaces, rings, watches, brooches, bracelets and other historical pieces designed during the mid-19th through early-20th centuries.

Attendees can discover the difference between gems and gemstones, the romantic meaning of serpents and other elements from nature, the intimate art of writing romantic messages with stones, and the rise of the diamond as the most valuable gem. The exhibit will be on display through October 8.

The exhibit will also hold a Language of Jewelry Lecture open to the public on March 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Music Room of Plant Hall, which is adjacent to the Museum. The panelists will discuss historical jewelry as well as how the jewelry was worn or used. They will explore how jewelry reflected one’s ranking and illustrate how society/cultural changes and industrial developments influenced trends in men’s and women’s jewelry. 

The panelists include:

• Dr. Elizabeth Winston, Associate Professor of English specializing in 19^th century British fiction;
• Dr. Charles D. McGraw, Assistant Professor of History specializing in the period 1877 to 1917; and
• Barbara Smith of Barbara Smith Estate & Fine Jewelry and former buyer of estate jewelry for Tiffany & Co., New York. 

For more information, call 813-258-7304.

For music lovers in Tampa Bay, the Florida Orchestra has a range of performances coming up in April. Check out the details here!

April 3 and 4: Overtures, Intermezzi & Finales – Coffee Concert Series

Stuart Malina conducts this morning Coffee Concert that features Bernstein's Candide Overture, Bizet's Carmen: Intermezzo, and Rossini's La gazza ladra Overture (The Thieving Magpie), among other works. There will be a Pre-concert Conversation and complimentary coffee and doughnuts one hour before the concert.

Show times: Wed, April 3 at 10 a.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall; Thurs, April 4 at 11 a.m., Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater

Tickets: $24, $29, $34, $42

April 6 and 7: Tiempo Libre: A Night in Havana – Raymond James Pops Series

This classically-trained dynamo of Cuban musicians, Tiempo Libre, performs a dazzling array of their high-energy “timba” style music. They mix jazz, salsa, son, conga, cha-cha-chá and even Bach. It will be a night of hits from their Grammy-nominated CDs Bach in Havana, Lo Que Esperabas and Arroz Con Mango, along with music from their latest CD My Secret Radio. Guest Conductor is Sarah Hicks.

Show times: Sat, April 6 at 8 p.m., Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater; Sun, April 7 at 7:30 p.m., Ruth Eckerd hall

Tickets: $15, $30, $45

April 12, 13 and 14: Symphonic Dances & Rhapsodies – Tampa Bay Times Masterworks Series

From contemplative to frenzied, it is a night of folk dance-inspired favorites from Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, Dvorák’s Slavonic Dances, Bartok’s Dance Suite and Kodály’s Dances of Galanta. It will also feature John Adams’ The Chairman Dances and Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from On The Town. Guest Conductor is Perry So. There will be a Pre-concert Conversation one hour prior to curtain. Post-concert Conversation will immediately follow the morning performance on April 12.

Show times: Fri, April 12 at 10 a.m., Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater; Sat, April 13 at 8 p.m., Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater; Sun, April 14 at 7:30 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall

Tickets: $15, $30, $45

April 19, 20 and 21: Mozart’s Requiem – Tampa Bay Times Masterworks Series

In an all-Mozart concert, the evening opens with Ave Verum Corpus and Symphony No. 35, Haffner. Featuring The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay with guest conductor Xian Zhang, the concert will continue with Mozart’s sublime and inspiring Requiem with one wave of beauty cascading after another, providing the listener with a breathless yet exhilarating experience. There will be a Pre-concert Conversation one hour prior to curtain.

Show times: Fri, April 19, at 8 p.m., Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Carol Morsani Hall; Sat, April 20 at 8 p.m., Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater; Sun, April 21 at 7:30 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall

Tickets: $15, $30, $45

Tickets are on sale at 800-662-7286 and online at www.floridaorchestra.org. Become a fan of The Florida Orchestra on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.