Daily Loaf

Thur.-Sat., Feb. 26-28. Nude Nite A multimedia nude art show that includes more than 100 works of film\video, metal, glass, sculpture, paintings, photography, and more by local and national artists. This exhibit celebrates the human form in all of its shapes and sizes. Proceeds from beverage and art sales benefit The Artery, an organization that promotes breast cancer awareness through art. 6p.m.-midnight. $20. 21 and up, cash only. 1925 E. 2nd Ave 33605, Ybor City.

Fri-Sat., Feb 27th and 28th RuPaul will perform at L’Olivier.  Centro Ybor at the corner of 7th Ave. &16th St. Tampa, Florida 33605.

Sat-Sun, Feb 28-March 1. Southern Exposure. Billed as “the nation’s first all-gay carnival,” complete with 68-foot-tall Ferris wheel, midway, live and DJ’d music, and full bar. Guest appearances by RuPaul. Sat. 2p.m.-2a.m., Sun. noon-9:30p.m. Located in Czar’s parking lot. 7th Ave. and 14th St. Free. Read the rest of this entry »

Going to the game? Watching it (or ignoring it) at a party or a bar? Settling in with some nacho chips and a six-pack to watch it from your couch?

All good, and we can help.

First off, you can join us here to live-blog the big event. Root for the Steelers and trash-talk the Cardinals, or vice versa. Rate the commercials, review the half-time show, tell us what you’re doing instead of the Super Bowl. We want to hear from you, whether you’re in RayJay or your living room.

If you’re looking for a great game-watching spot, try one of the sports-bar alternatives described in this story by Brian Ries. And look for a Creative Loafing crew while you’re out; we’ll be roaming from L’Olivier in Ybor to Wine Exchange in Hyde Park Village to Partners in St. Pete — and…? Got any other recommendations for places to watch the game?

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 »