Local artist Jess Cazin paints historic and nostalgic Tampa spots, like the The Colonnade Restaurant (pictured). | Photo by @jess.cazin.art
Earlier this year, we asked: Which Tampa Bay restaurant do you miss the most + which meal do you wish were still around?
Piece of cake, right? TBAYtoday readers sent us food for thought — let’s stroll down memory lane, because we love a moment of local nostalgia.
Colonnade
We don’t pick favorites, but you sure do. A behemoth of readers wrote in to say you miss the inviting, laid-back eatery that once lined Bayshore Boulevard.
The seafood joint was owned and operated by three generations of the Whiteside family. Davis P. remembered the spot’s, “Iconic location on the Bayshore... famous for olives in a glass of Coke.”
Davis also added that the eatery was a once a Plant High School hangout.
Hugo’s Spanish Restaurant
The longtime Spanish-Cuban restaurant first opened in 1975 and was home to many a breakfast hang, including the still-running Cafe Con Tampa. Nanette T. says they miss Hugo’s “great, simple Cuban food, casual and affordable.”
Luv Child
This one still hurts. The South Tampa brunchery shut down over the summer. Reader Irene C. shares our sentiment, saying they miss the “Cuban food, brunch on the patio, and espresso martinis.”
Movie on the Lawn Double Feature | 6-9:30 p.m. | Armature Works | Free | Pack the cozy blankets and camp chairs for a back-to-back screening of “Elf” and “Home Alone.”
Underoath with Anberlin | 7:30 p.m. | Jannus Live | $33+ | The Tampa rock band takes the outdoor stage with its fellow Floridian rockers, Anberlin.
“Puppy Pals LIVE!” | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | New Tampa Performing Arts Center | $18+ | We’ve got “America’s Got Talent” right here in TBAY, as adopted and rescued dogs perform stunts and feats.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Sips & Stems: The Art of Floral Arranging Workshop | 6-9 p.m. | The Tampa EDITION | $269| Learn the art of designing a balanced and unique winter arrangement with floral design firm Tailored Twig over a bevy, charcuterie, and cheeses.
Pints of Science | 6:30 p.m. | New World Music Hall, Tampa | Free entry | Sip on some brewskis while hearing about current projects from folks from the City of Tampa and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful.
A new tower will soon rise up over Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. And it’s growing. TLR Group just filed plans for a new 48-story tower with 600 apartments, 1,000 sqft of retail space, and 46,000 sqft of office space. Right now, there’s not a construction timeline. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Civic
Last week, St. Pete City Council voted 5-2 to make the area around Mirror Lake — the cutesy neighborhood home to the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club — a historic district. The move will put new design regulations in place + discourage demolition of historic buildings.
Sports
The Pinellas County Commission is expected to vote on issuing the final bonds for the new Rays stadium tomorrow, Dec. 17. It’s time to check in with how commissioners voted on the project over the summer, and what’s changed since. (Tampa Bay Times)
Number
$1.6 million. That’s how much Saildrone will be paid to map the seafloor of the Gulf of Mexico. The St. Pete company will chart the area over the course of years, boosting our intel of Florida’s coastal vulnerability and hurricane impact. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Opening
Can’t get enough ice cream? Luckily, we have no shortage of options. OddFellows is opening up in the Shops at Wiregrass in spring 2025. The Brooklyn-originated brand offers classic flavors, plus inventive scoops like miso-flavored ice cream. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Community
Let’s make it the best Christmas in the Park yet. Hannah’s Homeless is hosting its final seasonal celebration at Williams Park on Sunday, Dec. 22. Bring mini hygiene products, pop-top cans of ready-to-eat food, nonperishable snacks, men’s clothing, and backpacks. (I Love the Burg)
Sports
Matt Silverman was quoted with optimism regarding the bonds vote. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Feel Good
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I do have some good news for one Tampan forlorn without their favorite spot. I’m good for that.
William W. wrote in to say how much he missed the Silver Ring — but I’m delighted to tell you the Ybor City joint reopened this spring in a new location. Now, you’ll just have to go to the Westshore Plaza food court for your fave Cuban sammies.
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