Plus, a new TBAY YMCA opens.
 
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Today’s Forecast

74º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise: 7:22 a.m. | Sunset: 5:49 p.m. | Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 11:16 a.m. + 10:01 p.m. | Low: 2:58 p.m. | Clearwater Beach | High: 6:59 a.m. + 6:21 p.m. | Low: 12:16 p.m.
 

Welcome to Flavortown, i.e. TBAY
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Don’t skimp out on the extras at Ted’s. | Photo by @jenniferjustus8
If Guy likes it, it’s gotta be good. Guy Fieri has delighted guests with his behind the scenes peeks at America’s hidden gems — and legendary platinum blonde locks + shades — on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” and other programs for nearly two decades.

And we have a few of the famed spots right here in Tampa, the Burg, and beyond. Let’s take a culinary journey.

Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish

You’ve definitely cruised by — and smelled — this beloved Pasadena spot on your way to St. Pete Beach. For the past 70+ years, locals and tourists alike have flocked to this joint for smoked mahi-mahi, mackerel, mullet, salmon, fish spread, sides, and ice cold beer. Guy cruised up to the local fave in an old school red convertible and dug into the fish spread. Pro tip: he labeled their potato salad some of the best he’s ever had.

Tampa Bay Brewing Co.

Season 12 of the mayor of Flavortown’s show brought him to the popular TBAY brewery. Stop by the Ybor City or Westchase taprooms for a “Reef Donkey” brew or a seasonal beer, plus hot chicken, smash burgers, and other eats.

Taco Bus

Known for its bright yellow school buses, the Tampa Bay chain’s menu is packed with tacos, tostadas, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. When Fieri checked out the inventive eatery, he tried a torta — a sandwich on homemade bread + stuffed with refried beans, carnitas, jalapenos, tomaotoes, and other fresh toppings.

Buya Ramen

The St. Pete restaurant serves homemade pork belly, crispy duck, and grilled chicken ramen, appetizers + handcrafted cocktails. Guy dined on the crispy duck ramen — and called it a “really tasty dish.”

Keegan’s Seafood Grille

Stop by the Indian Rocks Beach eatery for a wealth of seafood options from lump crab cakes and shrimp, to Amberjack and fried scallops. The casual spot also serves steaks, gator tail, and lots of options for the kiddos.

What spots should Mr. Fieri visit next? Let us know.
 
Events
Tuesday, Dec. 19
  • Candle Making with Moon & Mantras | Tuesday, Dec. 19 | 6-7 p.m. | Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa | $65 | Learn the art of candlemaking and take home your own nine-ounce candle and tealight — supplies are provided.
Wednesday, Dec. 20
  • Sound Bath Meditation and Healing | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gulfport Beach, 5730 Shore Blvd. S., Tampa | $21 | Your guide will lead you in a meditation exercise with ancient instruments used in sound healing.
Thursday, Dec. 21
  • The Nutcracker | Thursday, Dec. 21-Saturday, Dec. 23 | Times vary | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $21-$131 | Next Generation Ballet performs the holiday tale complete with dazzling dancing sweets, sword-fighting rodents, and timeless music.
  • Lightning vs. Golden Knights | Thursday, Dec. 21 | 7 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $45+ | Watch the Bolts take the ice against the boys from Las Vegas.
Friday, Dec. 22
  • Streetcar Live | Friday, Dec. 22 | 6-8 p.m. | Centro Ybor, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa | Free | Boogie away to free tunes while riding the TECO Streetcar in downtown Tampa.
  • 2023 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl | Friday, Dec. 22 | 6:30 p.m. | Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa | $40-$109 | Help pack Ray Jay to watch the UCF Knights face off against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for the trophy.
Saturday, Dec. 23
  • Shuffle’s XMAS Eve Eve | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 2-5 p.m. | Shuffle, 2612 N. Tampa St., Tampa | $25 | Sign up for a friendly round-robin Shuffleboard tournament and enjoy food and drink specials — part of proceeds go toward The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
  • Trans-Siberian Orchestra: “The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve” | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. | Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $70+ | Join for a Christmas Eve Eve performance of the allegorical rock opera.
  • Holiday Lighted Boat Parade | Saturday, Dec. 23 | 6 p.m. | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa | Free | Hole up at the downtown park or the Riverwalk to watch the festive flotilla make its way down the Hillsborough River — or register your own boat for a fee to join in the contest.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Number
  • ~80,000. That’s how many people are expected to pass through Tampa International Airport daily through Sunday, Jan. 7. Officials expect the busiest day to be Saturday, Dec. 23 with a projected 90,804 travelers. (Bay News 9)
Development
  • Meet the Speer YMCA. The new 75,000-sqft facility is now soft-open at 495 62nd Ave. NE. Once fully open next month, the center will feature an eight-lane competition-sized pool, splash pad, teaching garden, and culinary center. (I Love the Burg)
Seasonal
  • Let there be luminaries. Lanterns will line Booker Creek throughout St. Pete’s Historic Roser Park neighborhood this Saturday, Dec. 23. Stop by from 5 to 9 p.m. to take in the magic + carol if you wish. (I Love the Burg)
Try This
  • The Cigar City’s Epicurean Hotel — which boasts a rooftop bar + a culinary theater — is nominated in Travel + Leisure’s World Best Awards. Vote for the South Tampa hotel through Feb. 27. (That’s So Tampa)
Announced
  • Tampa General Hospital will rename its children’s hospital the Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH. The news follows a donation from Pam and Les Muma to TGH, called “the most significant contribution to TGH and the largest gift ever to any children’s hospital in our region.” (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Eat
  • #TerraceTabletop: Go all-out for your final meal of 2023 at the Terrace Grille this New Year’s Eve. After dinner, stick around for an exclusive, separately-ticketed event featuring champagne, passed hors d’oeuvres, live music, and more. Reserve your spot (and don’t forget to make dinner reservations, too).*
 
Retail

💳 Hoping to give your credit card a workout?

Browse these new-to-the-scene Tampa Bay area shopping spots
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Try on some new styles in Veronica Beard’s dressing room. | Photo via Veronica Beard
Take a stroll through Hyde Park Village or Water Street Tampa, and you’re bound to spot a few new faces in both neighborhoods. We thought we’d introduce you to some new kids on the block, just in case you’re in the shopping mood this week:
  • Veronica Beard | The women’s retailer just opened up in Hyde Park Village + stocks its signature dickey jacket, scuba suiting, denim, and other stylish accessories.
  • Clayton Gray Home | The store — renowned for its excellence in interior offerings —opens in the Water Street neighborhood next month, selling vintage and antique goods.
  • Silvia Tcherassi | Located in the former Wine Exchange spot in the village, the designer store sells elegant dresses and designs.
  • Alice + Olivia | The popular brand is opening right next to Silvia in Hyde Park Village + will likely sell its characteristic vintage-inspired, feminine threads.
The Buy

The Buy 12.19.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
This Adams Apple Company apple butter. It’s made in the USA + you can use it to make these amazing apple butter snickerdoodle cookies Lifestyle and Recipe YouTuber Jessica O’Donohue whipped up (just save a few for Santa).
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The Wrap
 
Bailey Lefever in a park near a pond

Today’s edition by:
Bailey
From the editor
Anyone else ready for a fresh start in 2024? If you want to kick it off in style, Intermezzo is hosting its first-ever NYE party. Check out the deets.
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