Daily Loaf

The classic dinner/movie pairing has long been the go-to option for newbie daters, film geeks and parents just looking for a break from the kids. We’ll set the winner of this auction up with dinner at The Belleair Grill and Wine Bar, downtown Clearwater’s home of new American favorites with a touch of of European influence. (Be sure to check out the wine list.) After dinner, head over to Beach Theatre on St. Pete Beach and check out a flick — Beach offers some of the best and most eclectic screenings in town. Where the night goes from there is up to you..

Estimated value: $70. Suggested opening bid: $10

Bid for this item below:

“Dear Dream Momma, I have been a member of a dream analyses group for 10 years and I am half Norwegian, my mother being completely Norwegian and with many relatives in Norway currently. Here is my dream:

I dreamt my mother and I were together and we met my father, who appeared to be with a younger woman. At first my inner reaction (towards the woman) was defensive and “who are you”? As the dream progresses I realize she is some kind of companion/friend/ soulmate.

We are invited (mom and I) and we go with them to this place, like some magnificent hotel, far, far away from anything (not earthly or earthbound). It has a golden/glow/light to it. As we enter, so do others and they all seem beautiful, happy, laughing, serene, at peace. This man seems to be Dad, (but more evolved, “together”, comfortable in his skin). There was talk of what we would be eating….beef vs fish. He said it would be fish. It was understood we would leave and come back later for dinner as they the others would rest or take some sort of break. It did not make sense to me to leave as it was so far away…..and then to come back for dinner?

My mother and I drove away in a car, it was invisible, but a convertible. wind was blowing through our hair. it wasn’t like driving a car, it was like flying or moving through space and there was an ethereal feeling. Thank you.” (sic)

I’d like to remind you and my readers about a big-time rule in dream interpretation. Rule number one is: Don’t literalize the dream. This rule seriously applies to this dream. So, if we follow that rule, what have we got?   Read the rest of this entry »

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that raises money and builds homes for the less fortunate. This Saturday, the Pinellas County chapter of Habitat is throwing the “Hammers and Heartstrings Ball” fundraiser so that more projects in Pinellas County can be funded and built.

The culinary students from the Art Institute of Tampa are preparing the food for the VIP cocktail party, dinner, and dessert; The Sassy Jazzy Band plays live, and live and silent auctions round out the evening.

Read the rest of this entry »

Hi Dreammomma!!!

I had this dream last night.  last night: I was in a car with a man and we were coming back from someplace–perhaps dinner together, looking at offices, and such. we were getting close to my place and altho i was feeling close to him, i noticed that i suddenly started talking about business, getting some distance and then i work up. Interested in your comments.

Glad to help. This dream suggests ambivalence about relationships, work, or both. Assuming the dreamer is a woman, it could be as routine as not liking some guy she works with, or possibly thinking about romance with an office mate, but it’s not. I’m going to beat the drum here about not taking dreams literally.

Let’s look at it archetypically, Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, May 20: The Grape
Throughout the month of May, The Grape pairs interesting Italian wines not featured on the regular menu with a special chef’s tasting menu. It includes delectable selections like grilled shrimp crostini, Portobello carpaccio, paillard of chicken breast puttanesca and an artisanal Italian cheese plate. $35. 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa (813-354-9463)

Wednesday, May 20: World of Wines South Tampa
Wine-Down Wednesday. A wine tasting featuring several bottles from California, Chile and Australia along with snacks from Robert’s Catering. Free. 6- 8 p.m., 3431 South West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-835-9463).

Thursday, May 21: Vino 100
This ladies night out features a wine tasting, appetizers from Let’s Eat and massage chairs to melt away workday worries. Free. 5-8 p.m., 5056 Fourth Street N., St. Pete (727-522-8466)

Thursday, May 21: WineMall
Sample fine wines paired with appetizers by Roy’s at this charity event that raises funds for leukemia and lymphoma research. The evening also features a raffle and a silent auction. Please RSVP to Courtney Simons at csimons@sptimesforum.com. $25. 6-8 p.m., 11246 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa (813-855-7711)

Many more upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, April 29: Avenue Cellars Wine Bar
Avenue’s Red Wine 101 class features an overview of the dark side of the wine world, with a tasting of about ten examples. Reservations necessary. $25. 9662 Linebaugh Ave., Tampa (813-920-9991)

Wednesday, April 29: ABC Fine Wines & Spirits (New Port Richey)
This weekly tasting features wines and cigars. $10 (includes glass and $5 coupon). 6115 US Hwy. 19, New Port Richey (727-842-7749)

Friday, May 1: Vintage Wine Cellars
This week’s tasting features wines rated 90 points and higher by leading authorities. $25. 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa (813-879-2931)

More after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Bread pudding is one of my favorite throw-together, quick and easy recipes. If you have at least these three items on hand, you can make the base pudding: bread (preferably day old and dry), eggs, and milk or heavy cream. It’s also a great go-to because it works for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. It just depends on the extra ingredients you throw in: sweet for breakfast or dessert, savory for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, prep time is ten minutes or less. How great and versatile is that?  Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, Apr. 22: Cork and Olive
At the Single’s Sizzle and Swirl Cooking Class, learn how to create your own dish and pair wine with your new invention. $45. 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa (813-868-3733)

Thursday, Apr. 23: Kuba Cigars
At this wine tasting, sample dark chocolate, snacks and an assortment of cheeses. There will also be door prizes and a fine wine giveaway. $10. 7-9 p.m., 243 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa (813-258-8191)

Thursday, Apr. 23: Toasted Pheasant Bistro
Enjoy a four-course Chilean dinner complete with wine paired for each course. $45. 7-10 p.m., 14445 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa (813-265-6700)

Many more after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, Apr. 15: ABC Fine Wine and Spirits
Join wine lovers and experts at this tasting and sample from dozens of wine selections. Each guest will receive a souvenir wine glass and a coupon for $5 any purchase that night. $10. 1405 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon (813-685-4832)

Wednesday, Apr. 15: Whole Foods
Learn how to pair cheeses with different wines at this class and tasting. Free. 6-7 p.m., 1548 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-874-9435)

Thursday, Apr. 16: “Beer Wars”
For one night only, seven local Tampa theaters will be playing this documentary, followed by a live discussion with brewers and beer experts. 8 p.m., click here for a list of theaters

Many more events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, Mar. 25: Whole Foods Market
Every Wednesday in March, stop by Whole Foods for the Wine Down Wednesday tasting. Free. 4-6 p.m., 1548 N Dale Mabry Rd, Tampa (813-874-9435)

Wednesday, Mar. 25: Whole Foods Market
Join Elaine Robert for a lecture on Gaia herbs. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m., 1548 N Dale Mabry Rd, Tampa (813-874-9435)

Wednesday, Mar. 25: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
At the Northern Italian Wine Dinner, enjoy a five-course meal and wines from the Piedmont and Lombardy regions of Italy. $69. 6:30 p.m., 1575 S Ft. Harrison, Clearwater (727-449-2988)

Wednesday, Mar. 25: Tampa Club Young Member Wine Dinner
Members of the club part of the under 40 crowd are invited to this wine dinner, at which Chardonnay and Pinot Noir will be paired with a filet mignon meal. $29. 6:30 p.m., 101 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa (813-229-6028)

Many more upcoming events after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, Mar. 18: Whole Foods Market
Every Wednesday in March, stop by Whole Foods for the Wine Down Wednesday tasting. Free. 4-6 p.m., 1548 N Dale Mabry Rd, Tampa (813-874-9435)

Wednesday, Mar. 18: Whole Foods Market
Join the specialty cheese buyer at Whole Foods for a British Isles class and tasting, paired with some wines from the store. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., 1548 N Dale Mabry Rd, Tampa (813-874-9435)

Wednesday, Mar. 18: Culinary World Tour
Join in on this cooking discussion group at the Tarpon Springs Public Library, where the focus is on foods and cooking styles from various countries. This month’s country is Greenland. Free. 7 p.m., 138 E Lemon St, Tarpon Springs (727-943-4922)

Thursday, Mar. 19: Whole Foods Market
Join Dr. JE Williams for Health Happy Hour and learn about important supplements for your body and products from the store that emphasize vegetarian eating. Afterward, the Prime Time Sisters Program will be hosted. Free. 6-8 p.m.,1548 N Dale Mabry Rd, Tampa (813-874-9435)

More upcoming events after the break:

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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).

Wednesday, Mar. 18: Whole Foods Market
Every Wednesday in March, stop by Whole Foods for the Wine Down Wednesday tasting. Free. 4-6 p.m., 1548 N Dale Mabry Rd, Tampa (813-874-9435)

Wednesday, Mar. 18: Whole Foods Market
Join the specialty cheese buyer at Whole Foods for a British Isles class and tasting, paired with some wines from the store. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., 1548 N Dale Mabry Rd, Tampa (813-874-9435) Read the rest of this entry »

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) Read the rest of this entry »

Thursday, Feb. 26: Mise En Place
Monthly meetings at Mise En Place include seminars, demonstrations and tastings that feature light appetizers and cocktails. This month’s cocktail is the Manhattan. $35. 6-8 p.m., 442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813) 961-8388

Thursday, Feb. 26: L’Eden
Stop by L’Eden for a tasting tour through the Mediterranean, featuring food and wine from France, Italy and Spain. $25. 6-8 p.m., 500 N. Tampa St., Tampa (813-221-4795)

Thursday, Feb. 26: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Women on Course is hosting a happy hour inspired by the golf lifestyle. The event offers networking oppurtunities, food, wine and tips on how to select the perfect wine. $25 for guests, $10 for members. 5:30-7:30 p.m., 4322 West Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa (703-268-5078)

Thursday, Feb. 26: Bern’s Fine Wines
This six-course wine dinner features Terra Valentine Winery from Napa, with winemaker Sam Baxter on hand to discuss his creations. $125. 6:30-9:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave, Tampa (813-250-9463)

More upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, Feb. 25: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
Enjoy a five-course meal paired with select wines at the Legends of Sonoma and Napa event. Featured Merlots, Chardonnays and Cabernets come from Arrowood Vineyards, Freemark Abbey and Matanzas Creek. Reservations required. $65. 6:30-9:30 p.m., 1575 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater (727-449-2988)

More upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Thursday, Feb. 19: St. Petersburg Wine and Food Festival
Stroll through downtown St. Pete and experience fine wines and spirits, food samplings and jazz music. $75 VIP, $50 general. 5:30-9:30 p.m. (727-347-6133)

Thursday, Feb. 19: Vino 100 St. Pete
Hosted by Vino 100, Massage Envy and Let’s Eat, “Ladies Night Out” is designed to pamper guests with wine, massages and delicious cuisine. Free. 5-8 p.m., 5056 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-522-8466)

Friday, Feb. 20: Bern’s Fine Wine & Spirits
Come to Bern’s for Crush Hour, featuring seven different Japanese sakes paired with small, Japanese-inspired side dishes. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463)

More upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Thursday, Feb. 12-Friday, Feb. 13: PRP Wines International
Take advantage of this Valentine’s Warehouse Sale — PRP is opening its warehouse to the public for the first of only four times this year. Stock up on their all-natural, no added sulfite wines in time for Valentine’s Day. Free. 5-9 p.m., 5910 Breckenridge Pkwy Suite F, Tampa (813-621-1911 ext 2017)

Thursday, Feb. 12-Saturday, Feb. 14: Avenue Cellars
Spend Valentine’s Day weekend at the Pre-Valentine’s Love Fest Wine Tasting. The event will feature several wines Thursday and Friday in preparation for Saturday, when Avenue Cellars invites you to share a romantic bottle of wine with your date. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., 9662 Linebaugh Ave, Tampa (813-920-9991)

Friday, Feb. 13: South Florida Museum
Celebrate food and drink from around the world at the third annual Vinology 3-Epicure Tour. Enjoy fine wines and accompanying tasting menus, food, beer, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars. $75 (includes all food, wine, beer, seminars and a souvenir glass). 6-11 p.m., 201 10th St. W., Bradenton (941-746-4131 ext. 11)

Friday, Feb. 13: Vintage Wine Cellars
Sample 10 specialty red blends from around the world, along with bread and cheeses. $10. 7-9 p.m., 3629 Henderson Blvd, Tampa (813-879-2931)

Friday, Feb. 13: Uncorked
Uncorked will uncork a selection of luscious red wines for this Valentine’s weekend tastin, including Petite Sirah, Zin and Syrah. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

More upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, Feb. 4: ABC Fine Wines and Spirits Largo
Sample from dozens of wine selections, with free hors d’oeuvres. $10. 1603 N. Missouri Ave., Largo (727-581-4642)

Thursday, Feb. 5: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
4 course Spanish wine dinner featuring importer David Bernard of Vinamericas. $49. 6:30-9 p.m., 1575 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater (727-449-2988 or belleairgrill.com)

Thursday, Feb. 5: Whole Foods
This tasting class will cover reds, whites and sparkling wines. Registration required. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., 1548 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-874-9435)

More upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Thursday, Jan. 29: All Children’s Hospital
This class is designed to teach parents and kids how to cook healthy foods. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., All Children’s Hospital Education Center, 701 4th St., St. Petersburg (allkids.org)

Thursday, Jan. 29: Cork & Olive Palm Harbor
Sip and dip night with eight red and white wines and olive oil. Free. 6-8 p.m., 4978 Ridgemoor Blvd., Palm Harbor (727-781-9463 or corkandolive.com)

Upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, Jan. 28: Cork & Olive Carrolwood
Wine 101 class that’ll teach you how to taste. $10 (applied to purchase). 6:30-8 p.m., 10019 N.Dale Mabry Hwy., Carrolwood (813-868-3733 or corkandolivecarrolwood.com)

Upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Friday, Jan. 23: Vintage Wine Cellars
Hoppy beers will be on tap. $10. 7-9 p.m., 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa (813-879-2931 or vintagewinecellars.net)

Friday, Jan. 23: Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits
Continuing the January Crush Hour series, Bern’s will feature Oregon Pinot Noirs. $25. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463 or bernssteakhouse.com)

Friday, Jan. 23: Kuba Cigars
Hit Kuba for wines from Argentina, Spain and more. Free. 7-9 p.m., 243 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa (813-258-8191 or kubacigars.com)

Friday, Jan. 23: Cork & Olive Palm Harbor
Wine and cheese social with eight red and white wines, cheese and olive oil. Free. 6-8 p.m., 4978 Ridgemoor Blvd., Palm Harbor (727-781-9463 or corkandolive.com)

Friday, Jan. 23: Uncorked
Weekly tasting features Argentinean wines. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463 or uncorkedwines.com)

Friday, Jan. 23: Cork & Olive Carrolwood
Learn how to pair cigars with wine, with a cigar roller on hand from Serafin Cigars. Free. 6-8 p.m., 10019 N.Dale Mabry Hwy., Carrolwood (813-868-3733 or corkandolivecarrolwood.com)

More upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Thursday, Jan. 22: Winemall
Tampa Bay Lightning wine tasting featuring Lightning Girls and benefitting the Lightning Foundation. Free. 6-8 p.m., 11246 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa (813-855-7711 or winemall.com)

Thursday, Jan. 22: Toasted Pheasant Bistro
Tuscan wine dinner with wine expert Massimiliano Boscaino and food from Chef Peter Leonavicius. $54.95. 7-9:30 p.m., 14445 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-265-6700 or toastedpheasant.com)

More upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

The St. Pete Times has a great rundown of Florida’s biggest wine and food events coming up in 2009. Writes John Bancroft:

Two of Europe’s remaining crowned heads, a platoon of celebrity chefs and a gaggle of gregarious winemakers headline food and wine festivals from Safety Harbor to Miami’s South Beach in the coming months.

Yep, their majesties King Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain will be slumming it with the likes of Paula Deen and Anthony Bourdain at the Food Network South Beach Food & Wine Festival next month. Maybe the $1,000 price tag for their shindig means that “slumming it” isn’t terribly apt. Royalty!

Read the rest of the Times event rundown here.

Check out our full Food and Drink Events Listing for more upcoming events.

Wednesday, Jan. 14: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar
Four course wine dinner featuring Clos Pegase of Napa Valley. $47. 6:30 p.m., 1575 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater (727-449-2988 or belleairgrill.com)

Wednesday, Jan. 14: ABC Fine Wines & Spirits Wesley Chapel
Wine tasting and cigar smoker. $10. 1845 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel (813-782-1389 or abcfws.com)

Check out our full Food and Drink Events Listing for more upcoming events.

Friday, Jan. 9: Uncorked Fine Wines
This weekly Friday tasting features new wines from Spain. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-892-9463 or uncorkedwines.com)

Friday, Jan. 9: Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits
Continuing the January Crush Hour series, Bern’s will be bringing in Dave Robert to talk about the grand appellations of Burgundy, with a tasting of the area’s most famous villages. $40. 6:30-9:30 p.m., 1002 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813-250-9463 or bernssteakhouse.com)

Friday, Jan. 9: CORK & OLIVE PALM HARBOR
Wine and cheese social featuring vino from Washington, California and Italy. Free. 6-8 p.m., Cork & Olive, 4978 Ridgemoor Blvd., Palm Harbor (727-781-9463 or corkandolive.com)

Friday, Jan. 9: CORK & OLIVE CARROLWOOD
Wine and cheese social featuring vino from Washington, California and Italy. Free. 6-8 p.m., Cork & Olive, 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Carrolwood (813-868-3733 or corkandolive.com)

More events after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

The Associated Press asked a bunch of chefs what they would cook at Obama’s inaugural dinner. Some of the respondents are likely already on the Obamas’ short list — like Mexican-food guru Rick Bayless from Chicago’s Tobolobampo, one of the family-elect’s favorite eateries. Bayless has already cleared his schedule for that week, just in case, and has planned tortilla soup, Kona kampachi, ribeye and tamales, and apple pie with goat-milk caramel. Nice.

Most of the chefs were just tossing out ideas, but a few options are worthy of mention:

Rachael Ray — Sliders, mini-Chicago dogs and devilled eggs
Eric Ripert — Peanut butter souffle
Charlie Trotter — “Food that’s good eatin’.”
Andrew Zimmern — Goat, in taco-form

Never woulda thunk it, but I’m siding with miss 30-Minute Meals on this one.

I eat out several nights a week for work, from fancy-pants joints with fabulous food (like this week’s MJ’s), to dreadful experiences that tax my very soul (here’s one), to typical ethnic take-out. Sometimes, I milk my job just to make it easier for my wife and I to put dinner on the table in the midst of busy work schedules and caring for our 4 year-old son. We also cook fairly often, usually weekly staples like chicken in a pot, fish tacos, or other Rachel Ray-ish quick meals.

Then again, sometimes I end up with a dinner like this:

It was pretty tasty.