Alisha Durosier, Author at Creative Loafing Tampa

Food & Drink, Openings & Closings

Latin-American restaurant Papi’s replaces White Lie in Ybor City next year

Papi’s name is already in the iconic sign on 7th.

by Alisha Durosier December 3, 2025December 3, 2025

Papi’s, an American restaurant with smashburgers, Latin-inspired cuisine and cocktails, is filling the two-story space at 1708-1710 E. Seventh Ave.

A split image showing two distinct scenes. On the left is the wooden storefront of "Tommy's Chophouse," featuring large window decals displaying wine bottles and gourmet dishes. On the right is a close-up of a heavy, vintage safe door, distressed and grey with gold trim, a combination dial, a handle, and a large decal of the Great Seal of the United States featuring an eagle.

Tommy’s Chophouse will serve steak in a Cold-War era vault next year in Ybor City

Steak secured.

by Alisha Durosier November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Pete’s Bagels moves into Tarpon Springs in 2026

Get him to the Greek.

by Alisha Durosier November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

A sunny outdoor festival scene in a park featuring a lounge area with modern, white, rounded furniture and tall, ribbed lamp structures set up on the grass. A crowd of attendees sits and relaxes on the chairs and sofas, while others walk through the event. In the background, rows of white vendor tents are visible under a clear blue sky, and a few dogs can be seen accompanying their owners.

Arts & Entertainment

Shopapalooza returns with local artisans and skunk petting in St. Pete this weekend

Shop local, or else.

by Alisha Durosier November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

This weekend is your last chance to check out Sanding Ovations in Treasure Island

They’ll stay sanding until January (if weather permits).

by Alisha Durosier November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

A large group photo of approximately 50 people gathered outdoors in front of an industrial building with blue siding. An open garage door behind the group reveals large stainless steel brewing tanks. To the left stands a blue tent labeled "City Bike Tampa," and to the right is a black tent for "Coppertail Brewing Co." The diverse crowd is dressed casually, with some holding beverages, and includes people sitting on the ground in the front row, next to a child on a small bicycle.

Arts & Entertainment

Hunt for holiday groceries and get a bike ride in at Cranksgiving Tampa this weekend

That’s poultry in motion.

by Alisha Durosier November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

A portrait of an older woman with short white hair leaning against a textured stone wall. She wears a light grey scarf over a black top and looks off to the side with a calm, contemplative expression. The background is softly blurred, showing vibrant yellow and orange autumn foliage.

Arts & Entertainment

Poet Lennie Hay comes to Jack Kerouac’s St. Pete house this weekend

Join the Caffeinated Poets Society.

by Alisha Durosier November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

A vibrant night market scene bathed in moody purple and blue light. Under a tent, a group of young people gathers around a vendor's booth. A glowing orange lantern hangs in the center near a person wearing a brown jacket with a fur collar, while two others in black shirts converse and inspect an item. In the background, a wicker screen and other market tents add to the lively atmosphere.

Arts & Entertainment

Gainesville’s Bazar À La Carte night market makes its Tampa premiere this weekend

How bazaar, how bazaar.

by Alisha Durosier November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Three people in distinct costumes pose together in a convention hall aisle. On the left, a person with blue-streaked hair wears a black goth outfit with a red harness and spiked collar. In the center, a person in dark fantasy attire features scale mail shoulder armor, heavy black face paint, and holds a tall spear. On the right, a person wears a relaxed, earth-toned bohemian outfit with a long patterned skirt and scarf.

Arts & Entertainment

Oddities & Curiosities Expo returns to Tampa this weekend

Stock up on taxidermy and haunted dolls for the year.

by Alisha Durosier November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

Felt artist Lucy Sparrow returns to Tampa Bay with St. Pete ‘Quick Shop’

She felt that.

by Alisha Durosier November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

A straight-on, eye-level shot shows the exterior of a Naked Farmer restaurant. The building has a modern, tan-tiled facade with the name 'NAKED FARMER' in large, dark, sans-serif letters. In the foreground, an outdoor patio area features large white umbrellas, a small palm tree, and green bushes.

Naked Farmer opening two St. Pete locations next year

Double the harvest in 2026.

by Alisha Durosier October 31, 2025November 7, 2025

Another Aldi converted from a Winn-Dixie opens in St. Pete next week

The chain is giving away freebies for its opening day.

by Alisha Durosier October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

A low-angle, exterior shot of a two-story restaurant named "Ella's." The building is painted bright red with black trim, and a black metal sign with "Ella's" in a distinctive font juts out from the wall. A dark awning covers a front patio area, which is accessed by stairs and enclosed by a rustic, dark-colored fence. Lush green foliage and trees surround the entrance, and a lit torch-style lamp is visible near the stairs.

A former Tampa chef is saving the recipes of bygone restaurants

Eric Hipol has recreated more than 20 local dishes for his Recipe Preservation Project

by Alisha Durosier October 28, 2025November 3, 2025

White boat on water

PSTA will buy or build two new boats for the Tampa Bay Ferry

City councils to vote on new Tampa Bay Ferry next week.

by Alisha Durosier October 28, 2025October 31, 2025

A portrait of a woman with striking long, frizzy, reddish-orange hair. She is wearing an asymmetrical, sporty top and black shorts, and is crouching low to the floor. The setting is a room with pale pink walls and a wooden floor, with a curtain visible on the right.

Q&A: Before Tampa show, Ravyn Lenae talks going viral, performing live, and being herself

The Chicago-born singer supports Renee Rapp for a portion of her ‘Bite Me’ tour.

by Alisha Durosier October 20, 2025October 20, 2025

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister at Tampa Pride in Ybor City, Florida on March 25, 2023.

Former detective calls for Gov. Ron DeSantis to investigate Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister

Chronister said that James Stahlschmidt’s letter reads more like the rantings of a disgruntled former employee than a credible complaint.

by Alisha Durosier October 7, 2025October 7, 2025

An aerial view of the Tampa Channelside District, showing a large white Ferris wheel structure, the abstract "Exploding Chicken" sculpture in a roundabout, and cruise ships docked at Port Tampa Bay.

Tampa developer has plans to put an observation wheel in Channelside, but some residents aren’t along for the ride

The proposal is set to go before Tampa City Council on Oct. 9 and again on Oct. 23.

by Alisha Durosier October 6, 2025October 7, 2025

Music

Q&A: Fresh off hometown show, Destin Conrad talks growing up in Tampa, ‘Whimsy,’ and more

Yes, he is just as cool (and fine) as you think he is.

by Alisha Durosier September 30, 2025September 30, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

ZooTampa’s ‘Creatures of the Night’ starts spooky season this weekend

Not the “Rocky Horror” song, sorry.

by Alisha Durosier September 23, 2025September 23, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

Ghost hunters are taking over the historic Mari Jean Hotel for National Ghost Hunting Day

Grab your ghouls.

by Alisha Durosier September 23, 2025September 23, 2025