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South Tampa stores that will make shopping for delectable food gifts fa-la-la-la-lovely!

By kirajefferson on Mon, Dec 6, 2010 at 5:30 pm

[image-1]For an established store with a huge selection of wine, cheese and accompaniments, make sure to stop by Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits on S. Howard Ave. They also carry a small liquor collection; some items were resurrected from the infamous Bern’s Steakhouse vault and can only be purchased at Bern's Fine Wines. Store Manager Kevin Pelley is always happy to pass along incredible deals to his patrons and both he and his assistant William Lucius are available for pairing suggestions and advice. The list of retail cheeses available hovers around thirty all year long. They keep their stash of artisanal cheeses hidden in the restaurant cooler next door for proper storage, so make sure you ask about their current selections. As a cheerful holiday thank you, from now through December 24th, you can take your same day receipt (Monday – Saturday) to SideBern’s restaurant next door and receive a complimentary cheese plate with three different selections, accompaniments and warm, house made baguette!

Looking for one-of-a-kind gifts to complete your list? Don’t miss Cheese Please (Inside Pondscapes) on S. Manhattan Ave. Whether you need gourmet condiments, cheeses from around the world, specialty meats or a water fountain, they have you covered. A clever and romantic spot to meander and browse for gift inspiration, Cheese Please is a South Tampa treasure trove. Check out their list of events for Friday cheese classes or bring your own wine and have them host a private party with cheese pairings in their serene garden setting.

Having received a lot of press for their wonderful menu, beer and wine selections, Datz on S. MacDill is the talk of the town. They also have an eclectic selection of retail cheeses that will bring a yuletide carol to any event. Vosges chocolates infused with curry, star anise and even wasabi make a gifts to be savored and remembered. A selection of these funky flavored confections wrapped in ribbons and bows is definitely going to make someone on your list happy. Datz is also a great place to put together a gift basket of specialty vinegars, olive oils, peanut butters, sodas, pastas and marmalades. A thoughtful assortment hand picked by you is a gift that will last into the New Year.

Supporting local business owners is symbiotic when the quality of products and customer service matches the high caliber offered at the locations above. So, heedless of the wind and weather, don your gay apparel and shop locally this season for some very merry measure!

Bianchi’s Enoteca Bern's Fine Wines & Spirits Cheese Please Datz Deli

3215 S. MacDill Ave. Suite G. 1002 S. Howard Ave. 4213 S. Manhattan Ave. 2616 S. MacDill Ave.

Tampa, FL 33629 Tampa, FL 33606 Tampa, FL 33611 Tampa, FL 33629

813-837-2233 813-250-9463 813-766-0060 813-831-7000

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Tis the season to give, deck (not fellow shoppers, but boughs of holly) and keep a jolly song in your heart — or at least on your tongue! The best way to do that is with lots of cheese and foodie treats. South Tampa’s local retail shops are singing joyous, all together with amazing selections for entertaining and gift giving. On top of that, they have their own special twists to keep you coming back. When you shop for culinary treasures this holiday season, choose stores owned by local entrepreneurs and give a gift to the community that truly keeps on giving!

One of the quaintest retail spots is Bianchi’s Enoteca on S. MacDill. Not only can you enjoy a cup o’ joe from Buddy Brew Coffee (another local business to check out) while you peruse the stores treasures, you can also savor a delicious goat cheese omelet, ham croissant or gourmet grilled cheese at the café bar. The thoughtfully composed menu was put together by Romeo Patron (he also does the cooking) and includes a house made raspberry jam with a tart finish that sings like a harp on the toast brought in from Rock Hill Bakehouse in New York. The daily selections are cleverly listed on chalkboards made from recycled doors that existed in the previous space. This “wine repository” is truly a lovely spot to purchase wine, cheese and unique items. Bianchi’s Enoteca is open Tuesday through Saturday with varying convenient hours. The owner, Susan Bianchi, has both restaurant and retail experience making this the perfect venture for her creative expertise.