Daily Loaf

On Saturday, the Ybor Market put on its yearly Flan Fest, an event centered around celebrating the creamy dessert with everything from a bake-off to a flan-eating race.

28 competitors lined up with traditional and non-traditional variations of this cultural staple of local cusine to be judged on taste, presentation, and texture.

Entries included flans large and small, with mix-ins including citrus, cheese, alcohol, fruit, and even bacon (yes!  bacon flan!).

For $5, spectators were able to purchase VIP passes into the competition area, allowing them to sample as much of the competing desserts as their hearts desired. Read the rest of this entry »

As any globe trotter worth his salt will tell you, one of the best parts of traveling to the distant and exotic is finding that perfect token to take home.

Unfortunately for a souvenir junkie like myself, local marketplaces the world over have slowly begun to resemble each other. My hand-woven Moroccan beanie and my traditional Corsican wood necklace both look like items I could have easily picked up in any Stateside strip mall.

So, when I stopped by the Ybor Saturday Market last weekend, I expected to see the usual: identical displays of beaded jewelry, incense, a few (potentially stolen) pleather handbags, the compulsory unfortunate-looking ceramic kitchenware, and since we’re in Florida, some salt water taffy and a few Disney figurines.

I am thrilled to report that I was quite mistaken. From lush, local produce to artistically displayed frames of reclaimed trash, the market plays host to an array of unique locally produced items.

I could in no way do justice to the myriad of choices available. For that, you’ll need to show up in Centennial Park on Saturday morning to see for yourself, but here are a few of my favorites: Read the rest of this entry »

Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar.

Join the Seminole Heights Community Garden to plant a garden in honor of 9/11- Saturday, September 12. The Seminole Heights Community Gardens has teamed up with Green Florida to plant a native and edible garden for a local community member in honor of those lost eight years ago on 9/11. The event will take place this Saturday, September 12th and SHCG are looking for volunteers to to help with setting up the garden and asking for donations from local community groups. If you know of anyone who would be a good candidate for a donated garden or you would like more information about volunteering,  please contact Robin at  robin@greenerpixels.com.

Ellenton Farmers Market- Saturdays; 8 am – 1 pm. Ellenton Farmers’ Market will be the largest year-round market in florida that specializes in “green” natural, organic and environmentally friendly products that makes for a healthier lifestyle and a better environment. Located just North of the Prime Outlet Mall in Ellenton, Florida (exit 224, Old Exit 43, off I – 75).

Dunedin Green Market- Saturday, September 12; 8 am- 12 pm. The Dunedin Green Market is located in Pioneer Park at the cross streets of Douglas Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Dunedin and runs the second Saturday of every month until October.

Saturday Summer Market- every Saturday through September 19; 9 am-1pm. Brought to you by the Saturday Morning Market, this market features the same great vendors (food, crafts, art) as the original market, but this one’s in the shade of the Mahaffey Theatre parking garage. 400 1st St S., St. Petersburg. (which is just 2-3 block south of our current location at Al Lang stadium).
Read the rest of this entry »