Wednesday, May 9: Cru Cellars
Sample 15 — 20 rose-colored wines (and get rosy cheeks) at Cru’s First Rose Party. These “dry, elegant and expressive” wines are in bloom for the spring and summer seasons. Light appetizers will be served. RSVP by phone or at jen@crucellarstampa.com. $20; 7 — 9 p.m., 2506 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-831-1117, crucellarstampa.com.
Thursday, May 9: ABC Fine Wine and Spirits
Sample over 50 wines and nibble on gourmet hors d’oeuvres selected to best complement these wines. Some wine gurus will be available to chat about the 50 wines. You’ll also receive a souvenir wine glass and a coupon toward purchase of your favorite wine(s). $10; 6 p.m., 3110 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa, 813-839-7167, abcfws.com.
Friday, May 11: Streets of Beach Walk
Celebrate the kick-off to the 3rd Annual Clearwater Beach Restaurant week, at this kickoff party. Enjoy food from over 40 restaurants, beer and wine, raffles and fireworks, all while listening to musical acts on two stages. Tickets may be purchased at the event or on clearwaterrestaurantweek.com. $20, 5 — 9 p.m., S. Gulfview Blvd. (between Hyatt Regency Resort and Crabby’s Bar and Grill), Clearwater, 727-447-7600, clearwaterrestaurantweek.com.
Friday, May 11 — Sunday, May 13: Ugies Smokin’ Good Seafood
Enjoy seafood, drink and exhibits at Ugies' Grand Opening Weekend. Demonstrations, hourly giveaways, boat show and live music are among the highlights, in addition to smokin’ good seafood and samples. Chow down $1 fish or shrimp tacos, $9.99 peel n’ eat shrimp or crawfish (1 lb.), two for one draft beers, sangria and wine, $2 root beer and Creamsicle floats. Kid’s meals will be $1.99. 34726 U.S. 19, Palm Harbor, 727-953-9797, ugiesrestaurant.com.
Saturday, May 12: Total Wine and More
Not sure what to get your mom for Mother’s Day? Head to this Gifts for Mother’s Day tasting and sample mom-approved wines, then decide which one your mom would like best. Score a coupon and buy bottles for your mom and yourself. 12 — 6 p.m., 1720 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-350-9601, totalwine.com.
Sunday, May 13: Carmel Café and Wine Bar
If your mom enjoys wine, treat her to brunch or dinner at Carmel. Mother’s Day selections include stuffed French toast, steak and eggs sliders, lamb and veal sliders, short ribs and spinach gnocchi with shrimp, scallops and mussels. Select brunch from 11:30 a.m. — 2:30 p.m. or dinner from 5 — 9 p.m. Or, go for the four-course prix fixe dinner, for $24.95. Reservations can be made by phone. 2548 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-724-4228; 14306 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-265-1415, carmelcafe.com.
Sunday, May 13: Columbia
If you’re looking for an alternative to the typical Mother’s Day brunch, head to Columbia for their Spanish specials. Select from mahi and shrimp or beef and Maine lobster entrees, as well as tapas and dessert options. The Mother’s Day features, and Columbia’s complete dinner menu, will be available from 11 a.m. on. Reservations can be made on their website. 2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4961; 800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-822-8000; 1241 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, 727-596-8400, columbiarestaurant.com.
Sunday, May 13: First Watch
If your mom has a sweet spot for chocolate, take her to First Watch for breakfast, brunch or lunch, where she’ll receive a box of Russell Stover chocolate for being such a good mom. First Watch will be offering their new menu, feature 15 new items and ingredients, such as Ciabatta bread croutons on the salads and homemade granola. This offer is good at all locations. 7 a.m. — 2: 30 p.m., firstwatch.com.
Sunday, May 13: Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort
This Mother’s Day destination is on par for golf and spa loving moms. She’ll receive a rose and glass of champagne or mimosa, and will be offered discounts and vouchers on spa services. Reservations are required via phone. Choose from 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. seatings. $36.95 for adults, $16.95 for children (plus tax and gratuity). 36750 U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor, 727-942-2000, innisbrookgolfresort.com.
Sunday, May 13: Lee Roy Selmon’s
A Mother’s Day meal at Lee Roy Selmon’s will score a home run with sporty moms, thanks to the $10 promotional card she will receive toward her next visit (to be redeemed between May 14 and June 16). If you’re not a mom but want to receive your own $10 promotional card, purchase $50 in gift cards online for your mom. 4302 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-871-EATS; 17508 Dona Michelle Drive, New Tampa, 813-977-EATS; 2424 Tyrone Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727-347-5774, leeroyselmons.com.
Sunday, May 13: Ocean Prime
This is a prime destination for Mother’s Day brunch. Selections include quiche, crab and eggs, blueberry French toast, blackened salmon salad, Chilean sea bass, filet and black truffle mac n’ cheese. The Mother’s Day selections, and Ocean Prime’s full dinner menu, will be available from 11 a.m. on. Reservations are required via phone or website. 2205 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-490-5288, ocean-prime.com.
Sunday, May 13: Palm Restaurant
Treat your mom to a Mother’s Day meal and to a $25 gift card, courtesy of Palm (when an entrée is purchased). Enjoy favorite selections such as Veal Martini, New York strip, jumbo Nova Scotia lobster and crab cakes, 7-layer dark chocolate cake and more. 12 — 8 p.m., 205 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, 813-849-7256, thepalm.com.
Sunday, May 13: Pollo Tropical
If your wallet is looking a bit empty, take “Mommy” to this Mommy and Me special, courtesy of a coupon. This Mother’s Day Two Can Dine for $9.99 special includes two entrees, two fountain drinks and order of yucca sticks, sweet plantains or tostones. Text MOM to 52198 to receive your coupon. Valid for dine-in and takeout. 3285 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 813-319-1850; 6276 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-319-6360; 3900 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park, 727-362-9600; 3134 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, 727-230-0002, pollotropical.com.
Sunday, May 13: Pelagia Trattoria
Bring your mom to Pelagia’s Mother’s Day buffet. Make some flapjacks for your mom at the Make Mom a Pancake station, and then stop at the omelet and egg, pasta and prime rib carving stations. Other selections include smoked bacon and pork sausage, quiches and lemon-poached shrimp and crab claws. Reservations required by phone or website. $40 for adults; $16 for children; 10 a.m. — 9 p.m., 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa, 813-313-3235, pelagiatrattoria.com.
Sunday, May 13: Ruth’s Chris Steak House
If your mom is a lobster lover, take her to Ruth’s Chris for a 1 ¾ to 3 lb. Maine lobster. She will also receive a $25 gift card and rose, courtesy of the steak house. Toast her with a Mother’s Day specialty cocktail, such as Strawberry Basil Gimlet. Indulgent desserts will also be available. Reservations are recommended via phone or website. 1700 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-282-1118, ruthschris.com.
Sunday, May 13: Sono Café (Tampa Museum of Art)
The Mother’s Day brunch at Sono Café is perfect for artsy moms. This four-course meal includes cocktails, free museum entry and gift shop discount. Reservations can be made at 813-421-8381 or info@miseonline.com. Check their Facebook page for more information. $19.95; 120 West Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 813-421-8367, tampamuseum.org.
Sunday, May 13: Spoto’s Steak Joint 2
Catch the surf and turf specials at Spoto’s on Mother’s Day. Select from filet mignon and jumbo lump blue crab cake or chicken breast with lobster morsel specials, but save room for Tiramisu, the included dessert. The regular menu will be available as well. 12 — 8 p.m., 1280 Main St., Dunedin, 727-734-0008, spotossteakjoint2.com.
Sunday, May 13: World of Beer (Downtown St. Petersburg)
Moms who love craft beer and crawfish will love this Crawfish Boil. Crawfish will be boiled “just like mom used to make.” But don’t worry; you don’t have to be a mom to partake in the crawfish festivities. Just stop by for a beer and sample some crawfish. 100 4th St. S, St. Petersburg, 727-823-2337, downtownstpete.wobusa.com.
Monday, May 14: Ale and the Witch
Kick off American Craft Beer Week and honor one of the forefathers of brew at this Samuel Adams Brewery Toast event. Featured drafts include Double Bock, Grumpy Monk, New World Tripel and Summer Ale. Order a pint and keep your glass, and participate in the raffles. Live music will also be on tap. 7 — 11 p.m., 111 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-821-2533, thealeandthewitch.com.
Monday, May 14: Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium
Get hands-on with pasta at this Making Fresh Pasta class. Make basic pasta dough and watch how a pasta machine transforms dough into the pasta shapes of your choice. Menu includes roasted garlic spaghetti, cheese-stuffed ravioli and pappardelle with a variety of sauces. Beer, wine and soda are included. $50; 6:15 p.m., 2080 Badlands Drive, Brandon, 813-653-2418, rollingpinonline.com
This article appears in May 3-9, 2012.
