It’s St. Patrick’s Day, so technically the weekend started hours ago, right? Here’s your healthy dose of five food and drink events that shouldn’t be missed. And bread — BREAD is involved.
Still looking for a place to take the kids while celebrating St. Paddy’s? Head to O’Keefe’s Tavern at 5 p.m. Friday and let them decorate an Irish cupcake with “Tinkerbelle.” Each ticket includes a visit from Tink and supplies, and the event coincides with the neighborhood restaurant’s regular holiday celebration, featuring corned beef, cabbage and green beer. $8. 1219 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater, 727-442-9034.
From 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, feast on specialty French fries from local food trucks like Surf and Turf, I Wanna Wok, Mr. C’s Grilled Cheese, Flip’n Tasty and others. The inaugural St. Pete French Fry Festival, part of Gulf to Bay Food Truck Association’s monthly Food Trucks Around Town event, also features non-fry dishes, plus beer and wine available for purchase. Glass Half Full provides the live tunes throughout the evening. Free, money for food and drinks. 250 Eighth Ave. SE, St. Petersburg.
Wake up on the right side of the “bread” (get it?) from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday with Artisan Baking 101. Led by chef Marni Atherton, participants of this 20 Shekels Bread class get schooled in the art of baking tasty (and nutritious) bread at the Clearwater bakery’s home base. Expect to leave with recipes, a freshly baked loaf, and a greater knowledge of wheat flour. Oh, and bring a pencil and paper for notes, plus a bag to take home the bread in. Tickets are available online. $95. 1877 Drew St., Clearwater, 727-297-5415.
Go welcome the arrival of craft beer at the Bikery Beer Bash. Music, games, prizes and, of course, bikes will make up the fun at this craft coffeehouse and bike shop’s soirée, which runs from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Free, money for beer. 2222 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-826-0501.
GREAT, Inc.’s Yappy Hour, hosted from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Six Ten Brewing, has dog-loving patrons drinking for a good cause. Benefiting the Greyhouse Rescue & Adoptions of Tampa Bay, this pup-friendly afternoon promises food, live music and prizes alongside the house craft brews. Free, money for beer and food. 7052 Benjamin Road, Tampa, 813-866-0610.
This article appears in Mar 16-23, 2017.
