Chocolate, the guiltiest pleasure of all
Nothing says dessert more than Linda Collister’s Chocolate cookbook.
Summer with Sierra: Big Beer Camp fest coming to Tampa
Tampa announced as one of Sierra Nevada’s Beer Camp Across America festival stops in June.
Do This: Indie Market invasion of Station House
At Station House, enjoy brunch and cocktails, stock up on last-minute gifts and more on Saturday.
Punky’s the newest LGBT-friendly eatery in St. Pete’s Grand Central
Owned by a local trio, Punky’s Bar & Grill has opened in St. Pete with an emphasis on food.
Theater Review: This Wonderful Life
Can one superb actor meet the multiple challenges of a holiday classic?
The Claus Conundrum
Going into parenthood, I loved the idea of telling my kids about Santa Claus, the magical benevolent character whom so many of us revered as a child. But the older my kids get, the more discomfiting it is to perpetuate the myth. There are so many lies. They love the idea of the magic, but…
Sh*t happened 12/17/15: TIA rules, and also, seriously, don’t text-flirt with your students
"C'mon Harley, just answer the question." Harley checked his cards, set them face down on the felt and took a pull from his Miller Lite. Then he asked Riley to repeat the question. "It's simple, man. If you could give a Christmas gift to the entire world, what would it be?" Roark called. Thompson folded.…
Urban fantasy: Guilty? Maybe. Pleasures? Definitely.
Sookie opened the door and let the rest of the genre in.
Re-see the world: Books on art
Four giftable volumes encourage a deeper look.
Food for thought on Thug Kitchen
Anything new going on in the second Thug Kitchen cookbook? Not really.
Join the Inn crowd
Plunge into four cookbooks with recipes from The Inn at Little Washington.
Never Sleep Alone: the sexy self-help cabaret (and book it inspired)
A Tampa native finds success in NYC with her one-woman show and book.
On the menu: Twelve beers of Christmas at Willard’s
Willard’s Tap House’s holiday bash will offer 12 winter beers, plus a special firkin, on Saturday.
Conservative group calls Solar Choice amendment burdensome, amendment backers call B.S.
For months, solar energy advocates have been fighting to get a question on the 2016 ballot that would, if 60 percent of voters approve, turn into a Florida constitutional amendment that wrests control over the solar industry from power companies. Believe it or not, somebody doesn't like the idea. On Wednesday, the James Madison Institute,…
Interview: USF’s Jarod Roselló, author of The Well-Dressed Bear Will (Never) Be Found
The English prof talks graphic novels, cultural identity and the genesis of his elusive bear.
Tamara Lush marries news and romance
Hard news reporting and romance writing seem the unlikeliest of silent partners. Yet Associated Press reporter Tamara Lush has forged a friendship between the two. Her first published romance novel, Hot Shade, released in September, tells the tale of a novice newspaper reporter, Skylar, falling in love with an over-the-top handsome Italian journalist, Luca, on…
After Hillsborough approval, Tampa Council set to talk Raymond James funding
The bulk of Americans love professional sports so much, it's only fitting that millions in taxpayer dollars (okay, probably billions) have gone toward building or renovating football, baseball, basketball and, to a much lesser degree, soccer stadiums. On the heels of the Hillsborough County Commission's nod to a nearly $90 million agreement between the county…
Star Wars VII Prediction Timeline
What will happen following the release of The Force Awakens.
Restaurant review: French fried at L’Eden
L’Eden Café & Bar in downtown Tampa needs to reconnect with its French inspiration.
The Laugh Tract — Who’s Bringing the Funny
A rare visit from John Waters tops the list of Tampa Bay entertainment options this week.
Celebrate Sweet and its literary goodies tonight
The publication has been lauded by The Utne Reader and needs our help to continue celebrating new poetry and essays.
Sh*t happened 12/16/15: GOP debate, bicoastal bomb threats, Birmingham fisticuffs (is my new band’s name)
This morning, let's look beyond our own communities for the sake of assuring ourselves that it's not just us, OK? A bunch of folks who think there's a swarthy-skinned devil hiding under their bed with a dirty bomb went on national TV and engaged in what can only be described as the world's most embarrassing…
On the Sauce: A cocktail trio fit for the holidays
The Boulevardier, Negroni and Man About Town are highlighted in this holiday party trio.
Tonight in live music: Dogs on Acid, Possessed By Paul James, Tory Lanez
Three noteworthy shows are happening this Wed., Dec. 16.
She’s such a paper doll! A new book for the politico who has everything
There are around 20 books about Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton, including a handful she allegedly penned herself. It’s tough to know which ones are worth the read (or, sometimes, slog) and which ones you’re better off ignoring, and the choice probably depends on your views of the former First Lady/Senator/Secretary of State. But there’s one…
Smokin’ in South Tampa: Second 4 Rivers for the region opens
New 4 Rivers Smokehouse now offering its modern variations on classic barbecue to South Tampa.
Weekly Tune-Up: Best Albums of 2015, Shortlist Part 2, from Tame Impala to Beach House, Here We Go Magic + more
A look at Best of the Year contenders that released albums July through December; Spotify playlist included.
The Paris Climate Talks are over. Now what?
There were many times, as I wandered the corridors of the giant airplane hangar in Paris where world leaders once again met over the last two weeks to attempt to hammer out a deal to cut fossil fuel emissions, where I thought to myself: "I wish my Republican friends could see this." Is it still…
The oh-so quotable Don: Our favorite quotes from the literary works of a certain really rich guy
Love him or hate him, real estate magnate and presidential frontrunner Donald Trump is the quintessential guilty pleasure of American politics. To those on the left, his deeply offensive blowhard persona and elephant-sized ego are fodder for easy, endless comedy — hence St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman’s tongue-in-cheek tweet earlier this month “banning” Trump from…
Sh*t happened 12/15/15: Suspicious packages, lottery winners, more
Not one, but two suspicious packages brought out the bomb squads in the Bay area. The one in Palm Harbor was found to contain an individual's change purse, while the one Tarpon Springs turned out to be somebody's lunch. No, our paranoia hasn't reached freakout levels at all, and also, what the hell are you…
Checkers takeover hits Tampa’s Trinity Cafe
On Wednesday, Checkers will serve 300 hungry and homeless guests out of Trinity Cafe’s kitchen.
Holiday Auction last call: Hunahpu’s Day, Cena chef cooks dinner
Two more items — dinner by Cena’s chef and a Hunahpu’s Day offer — were added to CL’s auction.
Sh*t happened 12/14/15: What Florida Googled, Spring Hill father-son drug dealing, Bucs sportsed poorly
Good Monday. Some things happened this past weekend while you were running around trying to get the decent gifts before getting ready to go to the holiday thing, and also trying to remember what the holiday thing was the next night that you were also supposed to go to. Here are some of those things.…
Sam Bitar Day: La Segunda to raise funds for employee’s medical expenses
Help support La Segunda baker Sam Bitar on Friday during the Ybor bakery’s all-day fundraiser.
Do This: The Weekend Top 10
A Frank Sinatra tribute, Atomic Holiday Bazaar, comedy, art, boat parades, live music and get “elfed up” for the Winter Wonder Ride,
This Saturday in live music: Rising Appalachia, Kamelot, Loudon Wainwright III, Frank Sinatra Centennial + more
Lots happening on this Sat., Dec. 12.
Movie Review: In the Heart of the Sea
A lot to like, even if you never got around to reading Moby-Dick.
St. Pete to divest, partially, from fossil fuels
Under a timely and symbolically sunny sky Friday in St. Petersburg, activists and elected officials gathered to laud the city's decision to stop investing in the nonrenewable energy industry, at least partially. The city invests about one percent of its investin' moneys — nearly $6 million out of $450 million — in companies that make…
Weekend Platter: Drink in your santa suit, buy organic plants & more
From beverage samplings to a chef encounter, here are CL’s favorite tasty events for the weekend.
Do This: Owed to Influence at Queens Head
A new art exhibition opens tonight in the Grand Central District.
Sh*t happened 12/11/15: Decriminalizing pot in St. Pete, Tampa homeless vets, Ben Affleck back tat?
Welcome to Friday, your reward for not setting fire to any of the previous days of the work week, smearing your face with their ashes, and running amok in the streets, naked and smoldering. (We probably shoulda done that, though.) The St. Petersburg City Council made some movement toward decriminalizing personal possession of small amounts…
Tonight in live music: Malcolm Tent, Mija, Twisty Chris & The Puddin’ Packs + more
A look at concerts happening this Fri., Dec. 11, plus a peek at the weekend ahead.
St. Pete dessert bar Swah-rey preparing for grand opening
On Friday, Swah-rey’s official debut in St. Pete will feature a ribbon cutting, local drafts and more.
Marijuana, in small amounts, could be decriminalized in St. Pete
Some day, if you get busted a tiny bit of grass in St. Pete and can't afford a lawyer, your life won't be over. At least, that's what a St. Pete City Council committee is gunning for. On Thursday, the council unanimously voted to move forward on the drafting of an ordinance that would decriminalize…
Last chance to get your music on during CL’s seventh annual Holiday Auction
The Vinyl Shopping Spree, the return of the Legends Ticket Package & more can be bid on now through Dec. 20.
Max Norton will tease solo LP at Dec. 27 Tampa show, confirms new Benjamin Booker album
The 26-year-old plans to mix outlaw country and ’60s folk music with Jack White producer Mindy Watts behind the boards.
Walking death: Will cars and pedestrians ever be able to share Tampa Bay’s roads safely?
If you’re a regular driver in Hillsborough or Pinellas, you probably see it at least once a week. You’re moving at a reasonable speed down a major thoroughfare. A pedestrian steps out into the street in front of you, casually traversing your lane as you approach, even though there’s not a crosswalk in sight. You…
Tuneful cheer: Holiday concerts in Tampa Bay
A look at seasonal-driven music happenings taking place now through Dec. 25.
Tonight in live music: The Delta Saints, Quintron and Miss Pussycat, Kevin Griffin + more
A jam-packed evening of live music happening this Thurs., Dec. 10.
Basement Sessions lands at MF Arts Ybor
A four-year-old music series and a new multi-use arts venue bring intriguing sights and sounds to Ybor this Saturday
