Daily Loaf

The City of Tampa’s fiendish plot to have you get up at an insanely early hour of the morning and groggily lace up your sneakers continues this Saturday with Keeping Tampa Fit. The biannual event is devoted to increasing awareness of personal health and the city’s numerous parks, while also offering the chance to keep up stride-for-stride with Mayor Pam Iorio (pictured, center), who plans on strolling four miles. As if that weren’t incentive enough, the first 200 registrants will receive a free T-shirt commemorating the event, which participants can then proudly wear to showcase their dedication to receiving free T-shirts. Sure you’d rather sleep in on what is likely your day off, but just think how good that coffee and artery-hardening cheesy omelet are going to taste when you reward yourself for forsaking a few extra hours of peaceful slumber. No pain, no gain, right? Sat., Nov. 7, Rowlett Park, 2501 River Hills Drive. Registration starts at 6:30 am, the walk begins at 7:30 am. Call the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department at 813-274-8615 for more info. – Anthony Salveggi Read the rest of this entry »

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Get your very first taste of what is expected to be the beginning of some great changes in St.Petersburg. The newest party, G.L.A.S.S, begins 9.9.09 and will run every Wednesday night from 10-2 a.m. at Vintage Ultra lounge. The party will feature a variety of entertainment and interaction, and of course, most importantly, great dance-able music all night.

Two really exciting elements: Designer Go-Go Statues, in which two go-go-dancers/models will be outfitted weekly by local designers, and a Performance Art Cabaret showcasing local talent from around the bay. There will be ongoing drink specials, in addition to a “Wheel-O-Specials,” which will determine a new drink special every 30 minutes, and there will be giveaways from local businesses.
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“Bring on the Men and Let the Fun Begin.”  That was the opening number of M.A.D Theatre’s Broadway Gay Cabaret (M.A.D. stands for Music, Acting and Dance).  And they truly did bring on the fun.

I walked into Streetcar Charlie’s in Ybor not really knowing what to expect.  As a friend of mine said, it could be really good, or it could be really bad.  There was a small stage area with a white gauzy curtain.  The performers (about ten men and women) were dressed in basic black and added props appropriate to the various songs.

Director, producer and performer Justyn Wade Dansby introduced the show as a “Fabaret” that would cover the themes of love, life, happiness and unhappiness, and he was right.

I was pleasantly surprised.  The group had some truly kick-ass voices. Read the rest of this entry »

L’Olivier Restaurant and Cabaret had a big blow out opening on Friday night. Here’s what you missed:

(Photos thanks to Jamie Ostrand.)

We talked about these brand (and relatively) new places in the blog (L’Olivier, AquaKnox, several, Bin 27, Ocean Prime, and L’Olivier again) but who’s actually braved these joints while they get their feet wet? Were they ready for the big day, or just struggling to keep up? The kitchen a disaster, or primed and ready?

Comment — we desperately want a scouting report.

A couple high-end restaurants are bucking trends by opening in the middle of the deepest economic slump in recent memory. Unsurprisingly, both are chains, albeit small ones. There’s also a cool cabaret and bistro kicking off in GaYbor this weekend. Here’s the rundown: Read the rest of this entry »

Olivier Cuevas — owner of St. Petersburg’s L’Olivier Bistro — is working feverishly to complete his new L’Olivier Cabaret before the Super Bowl. “Because there will be so much attention on Ybor during the Super Bowl,” he said, “all these big networks will be situated there. It will be dramatic and important that we open then.”

It’s going to be a challenge. The cabaret is under Teatro on 7th in Centro Ybor and will feature a lounge decked out in couches and chaises, a big dining room and a large stage, not to mention the 18-foot-tall Eiffel Tower Cuevas has planned. “It’ll be Paris in the 1920s,” he explains. “La Belle Epoque, crushed red velvet, a grand piano, candles everywhere.”

L’Olivier Cabaret’s menu will feature straightforward bistro fare — although more extensive than that at his St. Pete spot — with nothing over $20 at dinner, or over $10 at lunch. If you’re looking to spend more money than that, there will also be a Champagne bar with bottles ranging from $50-$500, including icons like Dom Perignon and Krug. Only French, of course.

The main focus of attention will be the twice-nightly shows Read the rest of this entry »