This week the Florida Strawberry Growers Association is teaming up with Tampa Bay concepts for a "restaurant month," which kicks off Feb. 15 and runs through March 15.
As part of the celebration, local chefs have created dishes from appetizers to desserts to teas incorporating freshly picked strawberries.
“Plant City is the nation’s Winter Strawberry Capital so this is the perfect time to enjoy freshly picked berries. The Florida Strawberry Growers Association has partnered with leading restaurants throughout the Tampa Bay area to create wonderful new ways for everyone to enjoy our locally grown berries,” said Sue Harrell, director of marketing at Florida Strawberry Growers Association in a statement.
The best part for diners, other than getting new seasonal dishes at some of their favorite restaurants, are the prizes for the social media selfie contest. All you have to do is go full foodie influencer by taking a photo posed with one of the featured dishes listed below, and tag the Florida Strawberry Growers Association’s Instagram (@flastrawberries), as well as the restaurant’s individual Instagram, alongside the hashtag #2020FlaStrawberry.
The grand prize winner doubles down on prizes with a VIP weekend for two at the TradeWinds Island Resort on St. Pete Beach as well as $300 worth of gift cards from the participating restaurants. The second-place winner receives restaurant gift cards totaling $200.
Participating restaurants throughout Tampa Bay include:
- Bulla Gastrobar: Mel Y Mato (fresh burrata, Florida strawberries, honey, walnuts, orange confit), and Rose Florida Strawberry Sangria. 930 S. Howard Ave., Tampa.
- Johnson Barbecue: Brisket Berry Taco, Florida Strawberry Cobbler, Smoked Pork Loin with Florida strawberry jalapeño balsamic drizzle, Florida Strawberry Sweet Tea, and Florida Strawberry Lemonade. 1407 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City.
- Noble Crust: Florida strawberry arugula salad (Florida strawberries, goat cheese, candied pecans, red onion, tarragon vinaigrette). Buttermilk Creme Brûlée, “boozy” glazed Florida strawberries, fresh whipped cream, and shortbread cookies. Both St. Petersburg and Carrollwood locations.
- Oggi Italian: Florida strawberry chicken cordon bleu and a Florida strawberry cannoli parfait. 236 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa.
- Oggi Pizzeria & Market: Florida strawberry gelato sundae. 218 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa.
Just a heads up, you must be at least 21 years old to enter. For complete contest rules go to floridastrawberry.org
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