Plan accordingly, because here’s our latest round-up of weekend food and drink events in store for either side of the bay.
• Use that appetite to show your support for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida on Friday. Hosted at Armature Works, the nonprofit’s Dishes and Wishes fundraiser teams up with 15 Tampa Bay eateries to present a tasting of their signature dishes, as well as specialty cocktails, live music and both live and silent auctions from 7 to 11 p.m. Proceeds are used to underwrite life-changing wishes for local kids diagnosed with critical illnesses. Get tickets online. $150. 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa.
• Alessi Bakery isn’t just observing its long-standing title as a Tampa tradition this weekend. The historic local bakery’s 106th Anniversary — kicking off at 8 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday — also acts as a tribute to Phil Alessi, the late third-generation owner who passed away earlier this year. Throughout the celebration of community and family, attendees can expect hourly deals and throwback prices on menu items like eclairs (49 cents), Cuban sandwiches ($4.99), devil crab ($3.99) and brownies (39 cents). Free, money for food. 2909 W. Cypress St., Tampa. 813-879-4544.
• Zwanze Day brings the beloved celebration of Cantillon’s Zwanze series of beers, including the worldwide toast, to Brasserie Saint Somewhere. In addition to Cantillon, crazy good bottles and drafts from Florida beer makers and international breweries are planned on Saturday, alongside food trucks and Zwanze Day glasses for sale. Attendees pay as they go, beginning at noon. Free, money for beer and food. 312 E. Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs. 727-935-5988.
• On Sunday, do brunch inside the Dalí Museum. Cafe Gala chef Chuck Bandel showcases a Catalan-inspired menu driven by seasonal ingredients during Mimosas & Masterpieces. Diners order at the counter, then eat inside or out. Spanish sangria, cava mimosas and Basque cider are among the drink options. For nonmembers, parking is $10 in the museum lot. Free, money for food and drinks.
• The Hotel Zamora’s Bartender Battle is a Chopped-style contest that pits a lineup of area bartenders against each other for the chance to win a $500 cash prize. On Sunday, locals are invited to watch these cocktail maestros get crafty while whipping up specialty drinks in five minutes, using a basket of mystery ingredients and a Campari America liquor during every round. The panel of judges will critique the concoctions until one bartender is left standing. The festivities start at 7 p.m., but stick around for the post-Battle party. Free, money for drinks. 3701 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach. 855-926-6721.
This article appears in Sep 27 – Oct 5, 2018.
