St. Pete’s second Doc Ford’s opens soon, Chismis & Co.’s kamayan feast returns, and more in Tampa Bay foodie news

Openings

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Boasting tasty views of Boca Ciega Bay and a Caribbean-inspired menu, St. Pete’s second Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is finally ready to open its doors at 8790 Bay Pines Blvd. A post from Doc Ford’s Instagram says that its Jungle Terrace location will debut during the second week of December. Joe Harrity, the director of marketing for the restaurant, tells Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that an exact grand opening date isn't set in stone yet. The casual, Florida-based restaurant chain is known for its waterfront views, large outdoor patios, seafood-focused menu, and of course, an extensive cocktail selection. Jungle Terrace’s Doc Ford’s restaurant is adjacent to Boca Ciega Bay, as its nautical customers are welcome to park their boats at one of its eight transient slips. The 6,750-square-foot restaurant will be able to sit 320 patrons on both of its floors. And don't worry, there's a bar on each level. 8790 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg. Docfords.com

Coming Soon

5 Bucks Drinkery 5 Bucks Drinkery, known for cheap, yet stiff, drinks—will open its second location in Pinellas Park out of the former Pete and Shorty’s space at 7402 49th St. N. A grand opening party will take place in January 2023. A few of signature drinks include the “Slutty Peter” cocktail with dragon berry rum, peach schnapps, pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine, and the “St. Peach Bomb” shot with peach vodka and tropical Red Bull. And if those fancy drinks don’t interest you, 5 Bucks still slings cheap shots of Fireball and other liquors. Alongside its extensive beer, wine, and cocktail offerings is a casual bar food menu with dishes like customizable mac and cheese bowls, tacos, burgers, stacked sandwiches, wraps and more. And although the drinks and food items at 5 Bucks used to be $5 each, most cocktails average around $5.99 these days—but all domestic beer tall boys are still only $3.50. 7402 49th St. N., Pinellas Park. fivebucksdrinkery.com

Events

Krampusnacht 2022 Calling all Ebenezer Scrooges and un-traditional holiday celebrators—The Independent's annual Krampusnacht party is back for its 2022 rendition. According to age-old European folklore, St. Nick's creepy companion Krampus roams the streets looking for naughty children to scare about 20 days before Christmas day. This ancient, pagan tradition heads to Seminole Heights' Independent Bar & Cafe on Monday, Dec. 5 with a few Tampa-centric twists of its own. This untraditional celebration is complete with live music from harpist Seth Adam Lynn, tarot card readings, a holiday gift market and a variety of beer, hot mulled wine and other libations. And if you come to this Krampusnacht dressed as Krampus himself, you'll receive a complimentary draft beer or glass of house wine. The traditional Krampus attire usually consists of a wooden mask, horns and a suit made of sheep or goat skin according to the The Atlantic, but we're sure a low-effort rendition of the half-goat, half-demon monster will suffice. 5016 N Florida Ave., Tampa. independentbartampa.com
Chismis & Co.’s kamayan feast It's finally time to roll that big ol' banana leaf back out. For the first time since 2019, the owners and chefs of Chismis & Co. will host their all-you-can-eat Filipino kamayan feast—a large family-style meal eaten with your hands. This version takes place at downtown St. Pete's Scott Andrew Fischer Design Studio (stylized as "SAFDS") on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. This kamayan's $95 ticket can be purchased on eventbrite.com, and comes with a complimentary cocktail in addition to the all-you-can-eat Pinoy spread. After Thursday, Dec. 1, tickets to this exclusive feast will cost $105 each. Main dishes include whole fried snapper, deep fried pork belly or lechon kawali, aromatic braised chicken thighs, and kare kare, a peanut-based curry with tender short ribs. These main proteins will be joined by a wide spread of sides like roasted squash, garlic rice, braided green beans, savory eggplant frittata and salted duck eggs. 2635 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Petersburg. chismisandco.com
ICYMI

St. Pete Bacon & BBQ Festival coming to Vinoy Park in January A very meaty celebration is coming to St. Petersburg early next year. Hosted by Brewed Life Festivals, the St. Pete Bacon & BBQ Festival heads to Vinoy Park, located at 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, on Saturday, Jan. 14 from noon-7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan.15 from 1 p.m.-7 pm. The event centers on some savory favorites with over 30 local food vendors serving up everything from bacon burgers, brisket and ribs, as well as beer and cocktails. Tickets start at $9, and kids 10 and under get in for free.If you're a true barbecue fanatic, you can purchase the Boss Hog Admission (ranging from $39-$50), which will provide special access to the Boss Hog Area with exclusive bars and vendors, as well as a private lounge, front row and high-top seating, cocktail and spirit samples, and more. 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. Stpetebaconandbbq.com

The Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival returns next year Tampa Bay's Collard Green Festival is making a comeback with vendors, prizes and plenty of collard-based snacks. Located at the Carter G. Woodson African American Museum on 9th Avenue S and 22nd Street S in St. Petersburg, this event kicks off at 9 a.m. on Feb. 18 and ends at 5 p.m. The festival is free to attend, and will feature plenty of food, activities for kids, an African drum circle and more. There will be a collard green cook-off competition that guests can enter to see if they've got the best greens in town, and the grand prize if you win is $500 and bragging rights. A 9 a.m. yoga session is on the agenda along with demos (live cooking, accessible agriculture, physical fitness), and a chance to sample smoothies and the 2022 high school collard green recipe winning dish. There will also be a family-friendly block party, celebrating Black History Month. Information about vendors and live music has not yet been released, so be sure to check out the Collard Green Festival Facebook page to find out more. 2240 9th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. tbcgf.org