Plus, Bayshore Boulevard real estate dreaming.
 
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Today’s Forecast

84º | 90% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:32 a.m. | Sunset 8:26 p.m. | Tides | Old Tampa Bay | High: 8:43 a.m. + 5:51 p.m. | Low: 12:00 p.m. | Clearwater Beach | High: 2:50 p.m. | Low: 8:31 a.m. + 10:36 p.m. | Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

From our friends at WTSP

 
🧑‍🍳 Order up
A black and white photo of the signage outside Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. There are clouds above, and the iconic sign sits atop arches and pillars which surround the restaurant.
The Columbia Restaurant boasts a legendary tale. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
It’s about time we re-named it the Sunshine Plate. Florida’s food scene is globally renowned, and as Southern Living put it, the state’s “iconic eateries serve as living landmarks of culture, history, and cuisine.”

On the magazine’s new list of Florida’s most legendary restaurants, three TBAY hotspots featured.
  • No surprises here. The Columbia Restaurant is the Sunshine State’s oldest eatery, opening in 1905. Its Ybor City location boasts 15 rooms + can host 1,700 diners, all chowing down on Spanish-Cuban cuisine. What we’re ordering: Florida’s best Cuban sandwich, the 1905 Salad, and a cup of Spanish bean soup.
  • South Tampa’s Bern’s Steak House also made the cut. With perfectly aged steaks in timeless surroundings, Bern’s serves as a unique culinary time capsule. What we’re ordering: A bottle of wine from the 500,000-strong selection, and a dessert in the Harry Waugh Dessert Room. Any dessert.
  • St. Pete also got a shoutout, with Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish plating up Floridian charm since 1947. The family-run spot is Old Florida personified, is still cash only, and is famous for smoking fish over Florida red oak. What we’re ordering: Smoked mackerel and German potato salad.
An old-timey photo of Bern's Steak House taken around 1969. The white building is caked in sunlight, and its entryway has a car parked nearby.

This photo of Bern’s was taken around 1969.

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Photo via Florida Memory

That got us thinking, which other TBAY restaurants deserve a place on the list?
  • City Editor Patrick believes Brocato’s Sandwich Shop is a worthy candidate. The East Tampa staple has fed locals superb deviled crab + Cuban sandwiches since 1948. ICYMI: Brocato’s recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Go grab a bite.
  • City Editor Bailey is a big fan of Pia’s Trattoria in Gulfport. The famed Italian eatery first opened its doors in 2006, at which time there were just eight tables to dine on pastas, paninis, and salads. Nowadays, we recommend a spot on the gorgeous patio with some chicken piccata, sour orange pie, and an espresso martini.
Which other local restaurants should have made the list?
 
 
Events
 
Tuesday, June 11
  • Redhead Week at FMoPA | Tuesday, June 11-Sunday, June 16 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 1630 E. 7th Ave., Tampa | $10-$12 | With free entry for redheads, browse Joel Meyerowitz’s photography, in which orange hair frequently features.
  • OE Book Club: “Fight Club” | Tuesday, June 11 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $30 | Just this once, you can talk about it — wine and light bites included.
Wednesday, June 12
  • Romantasy Book Writing | Wednesday, June 12 | 4-5:30 p.m. | Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N. 22nd St., Tampa | Free with registration | Spark your imagination + join like-minded fantasy romance enthusiasts for writing challenges.
  • “Babes” | Wednesday, June 12-Thursday, June 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $10-$12 | Sit back and catch this comedic 2024 flick about the enduring power of friendship and modern parenthood.
Thursday, June 13
  • “5-Step Guide to Being German” | Thursday, June 13-Saturday, June 15 | Times vary | The Kress Building, 1624 E. 7th Ave., Tampa | $15 | Join German comedian Paco Erhard as his global tour hits the Tampa International Fringe Festival.
Friday, June 14
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
News Notes
 
Sports
  • It’s UT of the park. The University of Tampa baseball team just picked up their ninth Division II National Championship title. The Spartans beat North Carolina’s Angelo State University in the title game on Saturday to become the joint-winningest program in division history. (WFLA)
Opening
  • A global Japanese restaurant chain is opening its first Florida location in Pinellas Park this fall. Fast-casual dining concept Pepper Lunch has 500+ locations in 15 countries. The TBAY spot will be at 4699 Park Blvd., where diners will savor teriyaki, steaks, and other teppanyaki-style delights. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Coming Soon
  • If that’s not enough, a new Chinese restaurant is also heading to Hyde Park. Hales Blackbrick is opening a location on West Platt Street this fall, where seasonal ingredients, dumplings, duck, and a range of cocktails will all be on the menu.
Closing
  • The Chelsea St. Pete is closing its doors for good this Sunday, June 16. For fans of the cozy coffee cottage, owners say they will be selling their eclectic mix of art + furniture. If you want to say goodbye, The Chelsea is located at 2462 5th Ave. S. (I Love the Burg)
Travel
  • The new Margaritaville at Sea Islander cruise ship arrived in Tampa yesterday morning. The ship underwent work in Ireland before making the trip across the pond. Its inaugural voyage leaves on Friday, June 14, when 2,600+ passengers will head to Cozumel, Mexico on a four-night cruise. (WFLA)
Watch
  • We’re gonna need a bigger beach. Recent footage from a Pinellas County beach shows a hammerhead shark near the shoreline. It was taken last week + shows the animal chasing tarpons close to wading beachgoers. (WFLA)
Ranked
  • No. 5. That’s where Tampa ranks on WalletHub’s list of best US cities to take a staycation. The rankings were compiled using factors like relaxation options, food choices, and entertainment. They didn’t even mention the funky rental properties we have available.
Try This
  • MOSI is bringing back its popular “Science of the Cuban Sandwich” event this fall. The Saturday, Sept. 28 event runs from 6 to 9 p.m., offering insights into the science of breadmaking, chemistry of fillings, and yes, there will be lots of tasty samples. Get tickets. (That’s So Tampa)
Real Estate
  • An expensive slice of Old Florida has hit the South Tampa market. An original 1920s Beach Park neighborhood mansion — called “Villa Palmas Hermosas” — is listed for $8 million. The luxurious property boasts 6,200+ sqft, a pool, a solarium, and ~250 ft of water frontage. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Sports
  • The Rays had a tough weekend. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
    Eat
    • #TerraceTabletop: Whether celebrating a special occasion or just celebrating life, the Terrace Grille provides elevated ambiance paired with a seasonal menu that showcases Florida’s freshest flavors + locally-sourced ingredients. See why you just found your perfect place to gather + make a reservation.*
    Wellness
    • Looking for a game-changing night of sleep? Fall asleep + wake up rested with Cornbread Hemp’s CBD Sleep Gummies. Get 30% off a $55 minimum purchase with code CBDSLEEP30.*
    Finance
    • Expert tip: During economic times like these, balance transfers can really make a difference. By simply transferring your existing credit card balances to this card, you’ll give yourself 18 months to pay it off — without interest. (Bonus: Earn 2% cash back on everyday purchases while you’re at it.)*
     
     
    The Buy
     
    A cute swimsuit cover that combines the classic look of a button down shirt with extra length so everything’s covered.
     
    Answered
     
    Tampa’s highest-ever temperature is 99º. What month did that happen in?

    The sun shines at the beach. One person is visible in the shallows of the ocean, and waves are lapping onto the sand.

    Summer officially starts on Thursday, June 20.

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    Photo by TBAYtoday

    We asked you some piping hot trivia last week to test out your knowledge of local weather trends. And this one stumped you.

    Tampa has seen temps reach 99º on two occasions: June 5, 1985, and June 26, 2020. Just 16% of respondents guessed the right month.

    The most popular answer was August, with 56% of guesses, which has a record high of 98º. It’s hardly surprising, the humidity during August can make it feel well above 100º.

    July got the second most guesses, with 17%, and also has a 98º record. And just 11% guessed September.

    ICYMI: We looked ahead at some summer weather predictions, and also rounded up 25+ events to keep you entertained throughout the season.
     
     
    The Wrap
     
    Patrick Sidwell.jpeg Today’s edition by:
    Patrick
    From the editor
    At this time of year, a stroll along Bayshore Boulevard is a great way to get a workout in. Remember water + sunscreen, and don’t forget to check out the gorgeous waterfront homes.

    But which one would you choose?
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