Sip on a brew or two in the sun-soaked Mad Dogs & Englishmen dining room. | Photo by Collins PR Group
We’re aware of Tampa Bay’s culinary prowess, but it’s nice to get some nationwide foodie recognition.
The latest edition of the Florida Michelin Guide just dropped and of the 14 Sunshine State additions, four call Tampa Bay home. Now let’s meet the islanders:
Nothing screams Tampa Bay quite like a fish camp. Big Ray’s serves all the classics — like shrimp po’ boys, grouper sandwiches, and peel and eat shrimp — plus a range of inventive additions like grouper cheeks in a sweet Thai chile.
Yes, the new location only recently opened its doors, but Mad Dogs is a Tampa staple. The English-inspired menu features entrees like mushroom leek pie and aubergine bolognese.
The Scandinavian bar + eatery offers a taste of Chef Ebbe Vollmer’s travels. Make sure you make plans to visit Ebbe — located in the same building — too.
Toget[HER] | 4-8 p.m. | Hyde Park Village | $30+ | Join other Tampa Bay women for some networking and a panel featuring folks from BMO Wealth Management and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.
Artist Preview Dinner x Scott Andrew Fisher | 7-10 p.m. | The Tampa Edition | $225 | Immerse yourself in the artist’s latest work while dining on a menu designed to complement the pieces.
Gary Clark Jr. | 8 p.m. | Hard Rock Event Center | $125+ | Head to the Tampa spot for the Grammy Award-winner’s latest R&B show, featuring Danielle Ponder.
CAMPGround25 Opening Night | 7:30-10 p.m. | Tempus Projects, Tampa | $0-$25 | Bend your ear for the fourth international music festival showcasing compositions in a range of styles, performance mediums, and aesthetics.
Friday, March 14
St. Petersburg Luck Of The Irish Bar Crawl | Friday, March 14 | 5-11 p.m. | Welcome To The Farm, St. Petersburg | $20+ | Make sure you wear green for this trek to some of the Burg’s biggest bars — your ticket includes specials and access to an afterparty.
Chris Distefano: “Chrissy Floridas” | 7 p.m. | Tampa Theatre | $39+ | Plop down in a cushy red seat for the standup comic and “Chrissy Chaos” and “Hey Babe! " podcast host’s latest show.
Soon, Davis Islands may boast its own boutique hotel once again. A group of local investors has plans for converting the Mirasol from a 58-unit apartment building back into a hotel. The plans include a restoration + adding two new three- to four-story wings, a restaurant, and a spa. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Real Estate
A Maryland company just purchased South Tampa’s St. Croix Plaza. Of Place — which has played a major role in Water Street’s evolution — will reimagine the more than 15,000-sqft retail strip and a more than 12,000-sqft-block of executive office suites. The company plans to bring in a medspa and potential wellness and coffee spots. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Active
The Rockin’ Roller Rink returns this Friday, March 14. The outdoor rink atop the St. Pete Pier is open through Sunday, April 13 — whether you want to skate or watch. There’s a theme almost every night of the week from Swifty Sundays to Throwback Thursdays. Get tickets.
Try This
Our beloved Tampa Riverwalk is up for yet another honor: USA Today’s Best Riverwalk. You’re going down, SATXToday. Cast your vote through Tuesday, April 8.
Plan Ahead
Speaking of the Riverwalk, the Tampa Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Festival takes over Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Saturday, March 22. What’s on tap? The free riverfront festival’s lineup includes a range of food, performances, and informational exhibits.
Sports
Four weeks from today, the first round of the Masters Tournament begins in Augusta, GA. That’s plenty of time to practice your short game and get in the swing of things at one of Tampa Bay’s pristine golf courses.
Sports
Rumors are swirling about a potential sale of the Rays to a Tampa-based investment group, but how serious is it? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Travel
You deserve a vacation — and Going will notify you when flights leaving your airport are 40-90% off. Try for free and watch the deals roll in.*
Finance
High interest rates are a major concern, and paying down debt is a top priority for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Wellness
Living in debt can be incredibly stressful. If you owe more than $10,000, Freedom Debt Relief could help lighten your load. See how it works.*
The Buy
The Buy
This top-rated hair and scalp oil as seen in Vogue and Vanity Fair. It features a dynamic blend of organic ingredients that boost shine and strength, smooth split ends, tame frizz, deeply hydrate the scalp, and encourage hair growth.
Yes, I’m also bummed about the Joann’s closure news. On a more positive note, TBAY’s own Bottom of the Bin Craft Supply is opening a second location in Brandon.
The secondhand craft store stocks goods for every kind of crafter, likefabric, yarn, and scrapbooking materials — on the cheap. Plus, you can trade in your gently used supplies.