06.30.2023

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Today’s Forecast

In need of a little treat?

Eating our way through Tampa Bay: new eateries and coffee shops

Check out the coffee truck on your next stroll downtown. | Photo by TBAYtoday

It’s that time again, TBAY. We’re taking one for the team and trying some of the latest and greatest eateries + coffee shops across Tampa Bay. I mean, someone’s gotta do it.

Now, let’s dig in.

Café Tuk Tuk | 1st St. N. + Central Ave., St. Petersburg

You might have spotted this cutesy coffee truck on your walk to grab lunch with your coworkers. Café Tuk Tuk is always parked just across the street from the James Museum — serving pour-overs, affogatos, and waffles.

What we tried: We grabbed a pick-me-up on a recent lunch break + truly enjoyed the mocha (with one shot of espresso) and a super fresh waffle dusted with just the right amount of sugar.

Or order your Go Greenlane salad or wrap for pick-up.
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Photo by TBAYtoday

Go Greenlane | 4495 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa

Both salad aficionados and those wary of greens will love this new South Tampa spot. The Go Greenlane drive-thru offers salads, wraps, protein boxes, slushies, and tons of other drink options.

What we tried: The Ginger Sesame Crunch salad (chock full of edamame, shredded carrots, roasted cashews, and more), the pretzel sticks, and a s’mores cookie. City Editor Bailey’s eyes might have been bigger than her stomach — see here — but it was the perfect healthy-ish lunch.

IMG-2416 (2).JPG — After you grab your drink, check out the hotel’s new clothes + decor shop.
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Photo by TBAYtoday

Lottie | 501 5th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg

The Vinoy recently unveiled its redesigned lobby under its new Autograph Collection flag — including Lottie, the hotel’s new French patisserie and coffee bar.

What we tried: We stopped by for a draft latte and again for a Black and Tan. Both were ice cold, strong, and expertly blended. But, perhaps the best part was taking the fuel outside to read on the porch’s new cushy rocking chairs. Swoon.

Hungry for more? Check out some of our other foodie adventures (part one or part two).

Events

Friday, June 30

Fourth of July Weekend | Friday, June 30-Tuesday, July 4 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa | Price of admission | End your day of theme park fun with a dazzling fireworks show including music, lights, fire, and dancing fountains — included with admission.
Not My Child Community Canvass | Friday, June 30, Friday, July 14 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Maximo Presbyterian Church, 3200 58th Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Join other community members for door-to-door canvassing on education and other opportunities.
Queer-E-Okee | Friday, June 30 | 7 p.m. | Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg | $20-$75 | Carson Kressley from “Queer Eye” introduces local musicians to lead a community sing-a-long.

Saturday, July 1

Boom by the Bay | Saturday, July 1 | 4-8:30 p.m. | Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N. Blvd., Tampa | Free | The time-honored Tampa tradition features a pickleball tourney, concert, bounce houses, sack races, corn hole, food trucks, and fireworks.
The Taylor Party: Taylor Swift Night (Eras Version) | Saturday, July 1 | 8 p.m. | Jannus Live, 200 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg | $23 | Dress in your favorite Taylor era and dance the night away — limited tickets left.

Sunday, July 2

“Enter the Dragon” (1973) | Sunday, July 2 | 3 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $10 | Watch Bruce Lee’s iconic performance followed by a Q + A with Hector Sotomayor, adjunct professor of film studies and new media at the University of Tampa and Ringling College.
Rays Watch Party | Sunday, July 2 | 4:10 p.m. | American Social Bar and Kitchen, 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa | Free+ | Watch the Rays take on the Mariners with live Rays Radio on-site, beer bucket specials, and contests — reservations recommended.

Monday, July 3

Warren Garrett | Monday, July 3 | 7 p.m. | 1920 Ybor City, 1700 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City | $20-$25 | The Nashville recording artist performs at the new open-air venue — plus, enjoy barbecue from The Salt Smokehouse.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Biz

The proposed new Rays stadium could bring in nearly 18,000 new jobs for Pinellas residents and $250 million to the local economy, according to a newly shared report. The project is expected to cost upwards of $1 billion. (Tampa Bay Times)

Show

Calling all Alt Nation fans. Florida indie bands Novely, The Pilot Waves, Mold!, and Palomino Blond take the stage at New World Brewery tonight. Tickets are $13 + the show starts at 8:45 p.m. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Open

The Florida Aquarium’s new MORPH’D Gallery opens today. The gallery — the first installment in the $40 million expansion — includes 18 international species, from the axolotl to four-eyed fish. Buy tickets to the Aquarium online. (That’s So Tampa)

Community

It’s time to party. The first-ever Lealman Independence Day Celebration is booked for Tuesday, July 4 from 6-9 p.m. at Ray Neri Park (4303 46th Ave. N.). The celebration features a drum line and color guard show, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and, of course, fireworks. (I Love the Burg)

Shop

Meet Saltwash Boutique. The new EDGE District storefront (1000 Central Ave., St. Pete) sells elevated neutrals, classic clothing pieces, accessories, and home decor. Follow the shop on Instagram to get a sneak peek at pieces. (St. Pete Rising)

Edu

Hillsborough County’s interim superintendent, Van Ayres, just stepped into the role — two weeks ahead of schedule. School Board members voted earlier this week to move up the timeline so that the leader can get a jump start on the job. (WUSF News)

Seasonal

Looking for a way to keep the 4th of July celebrations going? On Tuesday from 4-9:30 p.m., Sparkman Wharf’s family-friendly Star Spangled Sparkman celebration will feature a DJ, roaming entertainers, a game zone, food + drink specials, and a spectacular fireworks display.*

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Outdoors

Decorating tip: Show your patio some love with a cute and colorful area rug. We love this outdoor-friendly geometric green one.*

Food

Where has all the Sriracha gone?

Three shelves full of sriracaha bottles.

And to think we took this sight for granted last year. | Photo by Paul Narvaez via Wikimedia Commons

Last year, we heard word from Huy Fong Foods that a sriracha shortage was on the horizon. Now, it seems we’re in for another sriracha drought — quite literally.

Droughts in Mexico — where Huy Fong Foods sources its chilis — have affected supplies. In an interview with Food & Wine, the company recently revealed that the sauce shortage comes as a result of an “unexpected crop failure from the spring chili harvest.”

So what about those who crave capsaicin? (Think: The chemical that gives spicy food that burning sensation.) Unfortunately, there’s no end to the shortage in sight. And — since it doesn’t sell to stores directly — Huy Fong Foods can’t predict when products will return to shelves. But you could try your luck on a site like Amazon, where Forbes reported a pack of two 17-ounce bottles recently was listed for $94.99. We’ve also seen bottles listed for over $69.99 on eBay.

Our advice is to go local. Try out Tampa Bay Hot Sauce Company’s OG sauce (made with ghost peppers and roasted red pepper) or their “Menage á Peppers” (made with Thai chilies, habaneros, Cubanellas, and Mango). Or, opt for the Red Hot Tiki hot sauce starter pack — so you can sample before you commit to a full bottle.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Bailey

From the editor

Bonus points: there’s actually a whole store devoted to hot sauces in Downtown Gulfport. Red Hot Tik Spicy Gourmet Market (2904 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport) packs about 900 sauces and products into their 300-sqft store — including its own signature sauces.

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