Daily Loaf

World Pasta Day? Sheesh, another holiday rammed through the legal system by those Hallmark lobbyists. I guess I better start working on my homemade dried pasta sheets printed with happy pasta day sentiments now, so they’ll make it through the mail system in time for the big day. How will you be celebrating this important holiday.

You could just send people over to Buca Di Beppo in Brandon and let them do the work for you.

On Monday, Oct. 26, diners will receive a free Read the rest of this entry »

Wikipedia describes a marathon as “a long-distance foot race with an official distance of 42,195 kilometers (26 miles, 385 yards, or exactly 26 7/32 miles) that is usually a road race.”
I would describe it as 26.2 miles of sheer determination, dedication, and a touch of insanity.

The author training for Disney during the winter of 2008.

The marathon is not something everyone has on their bucket list. It’s not for everyone. Some people have other goals and aspirations, but for me it always seemed like a really cool thing to do. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would become one of those crazy runner types. You know the ones who get up at the buttcrack of dawn and head out for a 10, 14, 18 or even 20 mile run? You know the ones who run five or six days a week? What exactly makes those people do it?

I started my quest to the marathon in 2008 when I added the words “run a marathon” to my list of things to do before I turned 30. I was 28 at the time, had no “running friends”, no idea of how to train for one, and absolutely the worst case of procrastination known to man. To give you a glimpse of my over all health, I was a typical gym goer. I’d run about three to five miles a few days a week, eat and drink too much on the weekends and come Monday it was all about repentance. I wasn’t really out of shape, but I wasn’t even ready for a 10K, let alone a marathon.

I registered for the 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon about a year before. I began serious training about 8 weeks out (NOTE: Terrible idea). See? My procrastination knows no bounds. Luckily, I found a running group in Brandon and they helped me along. They also told me I was nuts and shouldn’t do a marathon on such little training. Being a stubborn person, I did it anyway.

My longest run before Disney was 18 miles. It was not enough. I made it to mile 18 of the Disney Marathon and felt my entire body start fighting against me. By mile 20 I was run-walking. By mile 21 I was run-walking-cursing. By mile 22 I thought I had lost my mind because my legs hurt so badly. By miles 23 and 24 I wanted to quit. Sheer determination and stubbornness kept me going. I almost flipped the bird to a spectator who cheered to me, “You’re almost there!”, at mile 25. The last 1.2 miles were brutal, both mentally and physically. I kept thinking, “well you can scratch this off the list and never do it again.”

But then something happened. Read the rest of this entry »

I’m on an Earth Day guilt trip. Why does all the celebrating have to be outside? Oh, right, we’re celebrating nature, so it’s either itchy eyes and a pounding head or the questioning from my friends, “Say Lisa, little Ms. Green, we didn’t see you over the weekend at that Earth fest.” Hold on! Earth day isn’t until Wednesday, there’s still time for redemption! Teensygreen, a great website for green moms and dads- is where I learned of my plan for salvation,  Mr. Mouse and your nature film buddies, I owe you.

Disneynature’s Earth is being released on you guessed it, Earth Day, April 22nd. You know that mouse, he’s a PR hot shot. The best part (I’m looking at this as a double win) is relieving Earth Day guilt and doing my part to stimulate the economy, and Disney will plant a tree for every ticket sold opening week- bonus points!  Read the rest of this entry »

Monday, Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23: Uncorked
This is the first of four courses at the Uncorked Wine Academy. Learn about wine making techniques, how to read wine labels, and food and wine pairings. $50 for four classes. 7-9 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Wednesday, Mar. 4: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Sample from dozens of wine selections at the Brandon store. Chat with wine experts and indulge in gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Each guest will receive a free wine glass and a coupon for $5 off any purchase that night. $10. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 1405 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon (813-685-4832)

Thursday, Mar. 5: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Wine tasting at the Treasure Island location. Guests will receive a free wine glass and a coupon for $3 off a purchase of the night. $5. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 204 107th Ave, Treasure Island (727-360-6153)

Friday, Mar. 6: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
Join Dr. Julie Gatza at the “Five Secrets to Looking and Feeling Younger” seminar and learn how to eat and live healthy. Free. 6 p.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Friday, Mar. 6: Andrea’s Sip for Life Wine Tasting
Sample tapas from The Columbia Restaurant and over 250 wines from Spain, California and South America at the third annual Sip For Life tasting. Proceeds from the event at the Tampa Bay History Center go to support finding a cure for pediatric sarcoma. $100 donation. 7-10 p.m., 801 Old Water Street, Tampa (813-248-3000)

Friday, Mar. 6: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
Friday wine Happy Hours at Belleair continue this week. Free. 5-8 p.m., 1575 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater (727-449-2988)

Saturday, Mar. 7: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
Chef Debby DeGraaff will host the “Wonderful Wild Rice” cooking class, featuring a wild rice and vegetable salad paired with wild rice with mushrooms and tofu. Free. 11 a.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Saturday, Mar. 7: Abilities Wine Tasting
Enjoy hundreds of wines, live entertainment and food from gourmet restaurants at Tropicana Field’s 20th annual tasting. $50 – $125. 6-9 p.m., 1 Tropicana Dr, St. Petersburg (727-538-7370 ext. 345)

Saturday, Mar. 7: Vino 100 Brandon/Valrico
Explore the effects of environment on wine with Vino 100 by sampling a slew of Australian wines. Free. 12-5 p.m., 1038 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico (813-654-8466)

Saturday, Mar. 7: Chez Bryce
Enjoy a three-course lunch with Tatiana Rugers, a Tampa Bay mural and decorative artist, at Chez Bryce restaurant. $15. 12-2 p.m., 238 E Davis Isle, Tampa (813-258-8100)

Sunday, Mar. 8: Tampa Rotary Pig Roast
Come see if Team “Sir Pigs A Lot” will take top honors for the fourth year in a row in this whole-pig roasting competition to benefit local charities. $25. 2-5 p.m., St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa (813-765-0707)

Sunday, Mar. 8: The Best Florida Beer Championship
The championship ends with the Brewers Ball at Skipper’s Smokehouse. Celebrate with food, music and beer – gold-medal winning beers from the championship will be featured – while the winners of the Professional and Homebrew competitions are announced. $25. 12-5 p.m., 910 Skipper Rd, Tampa (813-220-1086)

Tuesday, Mar. 10: FOODMATTERS Film Showing
This provocative film at The Long Center is back by popular demand. Whole Foods Market will provide snacks. $5. 7 p.m., 1501 N Belcher Rd, Clearwater

Wednesday, Mar. 11: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
Explore ways to cope with your physical, mental or emotional challenges at Dr. Anthony Calandro’s seminar “Creating a Health Body through Cultivating a Positive Mind.” Free. 6:30 p.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Wednesday, Mar. 11: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Enjoy another ABC wine tasting, this time at the Wesley Chapel store. Guest will receive a free wine glass and a coupon for $5 off a purchase of the night. 1845 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Wesley Chapel (813-782-1389)

Thursday, Mar. 12: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
Sample wine selections from around the world and hors d’oeuvres at this Seffner wine tasting. Each guest will receive a free wine glass and a coupon for $3 off a purchase of the night. $5. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 507 W MLK Blvd, Seffner (813-681-7979)

Thursday, Mar. 12: The Grape
The Tampa Alumnae Panhellenic Association hosts the 6th annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, featuring gourmet food, wine and music. $25 advanced, $35 at the door. 6-8 p.m., 2223 N. Westshore Blvd. Suite B217, Tampa (239-272-8281)

Thursday, Mar. 12: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
In the “Gut Connection” seminar, Dr. George Springer will explain how imbalances in the body’s digestive system can cause health problems. Free. 6:30 p.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Thursday, Mar. 12: Vino 100 St. Petersburg
Sample wines from Australia at this St. Pete wine tasting. Free. 5-8 p.m., 5056 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-522-8466)

Thursday, Mar. 12 & Friday, Mar. 13: Fleming’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Enjoy great music, fine wines and a three-course meal at the Vintage Rock Dinner. $55. 6:30 p.m. 2001 Siesta Dr, Sarasota (941-358-9463)

Friday, Mar. 13: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
Nutritionist Barbara Lee will explain how to get all you can for your health dollar in the “Spending Money Wisely on Health” seminar. Free. 6 p.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Friday, Mar. 13: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
Weekly Friday wine Happy Hour at Belleair. Free. 5-8 p.m., 1575 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater (727-449-2988)

Friday, Mar. 13: Uncorked
Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at Uncorked with McBeer and Mead, snacks and dancing. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Friday-Sunday, Mar. 13-15: Cajun Zydeco Crawfish Festival
Cajun invasion begins with this 9th annual festival of all things Louisiana. $35 for three days. Friday 4:30-10 p.m., Saturday noon-10 p.m., Sunday noon-8 p.m., Vinoy Park, Downtown St. Pete (727-892-5798)

Saturday, Mar. 14: Vino 100 Brandon
Sippin Saturday tasting at the Brandon store. Free. 12-5 p.m., 1038 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico (813-654-8466)

Tuesday, Mar. 17: Vino 100 Brandon
Learn about the elegant white wines of Germany – like Riesling – at The Wines of Germany class. $20 per person, $35 per couple. 6- 7:30 p.m., 1038 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico (813-654-8466)

Friday, Mar. 20: Uncorked
At the Oregon Wine Tasting, sample different wines from the region – like Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris – and discover unique food pairings. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Friday, Mar. 20: Belleair Wine and Grill Bar
Weekly Friday wine Happy Hour at Belleair. Free. 5-8 p.m., 1575 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater (727-449-2988)

Saturday, Mar. 21: Toast Fine Wine & Cigars
Listen to some of your favorite records while drinking fabulous wines at Toast’s Vine and Vinyl event. Free. 6-9 p.m., 14921 Bruce B. Downs, Tampa (813-632-3105)

Saturday, Mar. 21: Sweetwater Organic Workshop
Listen to Sweetwater founder and director Rick Martinez discuss the most common weeds and pests in the area, and how to keep them out of your garden. $15 (or volunteer). 2-3 p.m., 6842 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa (813-887-4066)

Saturday, Mar. 21: Vino 100 Brandon
Join Vino as they take a tour of the old country, and sample wine from some of the greatest wine regions in the world: Chianti, Tuscany Piedmont, Bordeaux and Loire. Free. 12-5 p.m., 1038 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico (813-654-8466)

Saturday, Mar. 21: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
At “Living Foods Made Easy,” Chef Joseph Custer will teach guests how to prepare puddings and creams from raw foods. Free. 11 a.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Sunday, Mar. 22: Sweetwater Organic Workshop
This workshop covers how to handle stress and depression with herbal medicine, featuring herbalist Bob Linde. $10. 3-4 p.m., 6842 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa (813-887-4066)

Thursday, Mar. 26: Italian Club of Tampa
Join the Italian Club for the Wines of Italy, featuring 65 wines from different regions in Italy, Italian antipasta and desserts. $45 before Mar. 20. 6-9 p.m., 1731 E. 7th Ave., Tampa (813-248-3316)

Mar. 26-28: International Rum Festival
The largest rum festival in the U.S. will feature three days of tastings, dinners and festive events in Ybor.

Friday, Mar. 27: Toast Fine Wine & Cigars
Toast’s monthly wine tasting will offer 17 wine selections and appetizers. Free. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 14921 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa (813-632-3105)

Friday, Mar. 27: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
Weekly Friday wine Happy Hour. Free. 5-8 p.m., 1575 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater (727-449-2988)

Friday, Mar. 27: Uncorked
At the Big Three Wine Tasting, sample wines from popular regions in France, Italy and Spain. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Saturday, Mar. 28: Polished Palate International Rum Festival
Come to the Ritz Ybor to sample dozens of rums from around the world and rum-infused treats. A silent auction and various seminars by rum aficionados will also take place. $50 VIP, $40 general. 7-10 p.m., 1503 E. 7th Ave., Tampa (727-947-3522)

Saturday, Mar. 28: Vino 100 Brandon
Vino’s Sippin Saturday wine tasting at the Brandon store. Free. 12-5 p.m., 1038 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico (813-654-8466)

Sunday, Mar. 29: Sweetwater Organic Workshop
Julie Barreda Bruyn will show kids and parents the basics of cooking, using crops fresh from Sweetwater’s fields. Ages 9 and up. $10. 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., 6842 W. Comanche Ave., Tampa (813-887-4066)

Tuesday, Mar. 31: The Wine Shop of St. Pete Beach
In this “Health by Numbers” seminar, Susan Bucci will talk about body statistics we need to know in order to achieve optimum health. Free. 6:15 p.m., 401 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach (727-363-9463)

Apr. 3-5: Cajun Cafe on the Bayou Crawfish Festival
Lots of music, lots of crawfish, lots of people saying “suck the head!” 8101 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park (727-546-6732)

Friday-Monday, Apr. 17-20: Bern’s 12th Annual Winefest Weekend
Bern’s big annual event includes tastings, dinners, seminars and more. Check the event website for full details.

Sunday, Apr. 19: B-21 Fine Wine & Spirits
Join B-21 for their annual Bordeaux vs. Cabernet wine tasting and sale. $25 before Apr. 17, $30 at the door. 2-5 p.m., 43380 US Hwy 19 N., Tarpon Springs (727-937-5049)

Saturday, Apr. 25: Uncorked
Join Uncorked for their British Isles & Ireland Beer Event, where they will serve diverse brews from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Reservations required. $20. 7-9 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Friday-Saturday, May 15-16: Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival
This event at the Don Cesar Resort will feature wine and food tastings, seminars by celebrity chefs and live performances. $75, 1-4 p.m., 3400 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach (813-258-5858)

Sunday, Jun. 14: B-21 Fine Wine & Spirits
B-21’s Tour of Italy tasting and sale will feature Italian wines such as Barolo, Chianti Classico and Supertuscans. $25 before Jun. 12, $30 at the door. 2-5 p.m., 43380 US Hwy 19 N., Tarpon Springs (727-937-5049)

Saturday, Aug. 8: Vino, Java and Jazz
This event at the Florida Aquarium will feature wine samplings, special dishes, desserts, coffee and jazz music. Proceeds from a silent auction will go toward the Tampa Bay Region of the Easter Seals Florida organization. $65 in advance, $80 at the door. 7-11 p.m., 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa (813-769-5915)

Sunday, Aug. 16: B-21 Fine Wine & Spirits
Celebrate selections of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at the Best of Burgundy and Beyond tasting and Sale. $25 before Aug. 14, $30 at the door. 2-5 p.m., 43380 US Hwy 19 N., Tarpon Springs (727-937-5049)