Like the shifty buggers we are, occasionally we sneak in a freebie that does, in fact, eat into your pin money. This week's choice, the 15th annual Taste of Pinellas, is just such an event. It's not like you'll have to re-mortgage the house or dip into your kid's college fund. But just so you'll know what you're in for, we'll go over the non-free portion of the event first.
From Friday, June 1, through June 3, more than 60 restaurants offer house specialties and customer favorites in Vinoy Park. This is where the cash comes in. Samples range from $1 to $4, which means you can eat like a king (or at least a jester) for around $10. Pick up a bunch of 50-cent tickets and redeem them for food or, if you prefer, trade up for a souvenir T-shirt, tank top or visor. Either way, your money goes right into All Children's Hospital's pocket, which has received more than a million bucks from Taste of Pinellas over the years. Restaurants at this year's fete include Asado Cafe, Columbia Restaurant, Dish at BayWalk, The Garden, Haiku Sushi, Midtown Sundries, Red Mesa and Urban Ciao.
If you're not hungry, or just too damn tight-fisted, Taste of Pinellas is still a fun stop in an otherwise typically boring weekend. There's plenty of games and activities for the kids, and tons of free, mostly local entertainment. The band lineup breaks down like this:
Friday: Shawn Brown Band with Liz Hollister-Gordon (5 p.m.); Ace Factor (6:10 p.m.); Rhythm Revue (7:20); and Hunks of Funk (8:40).
Saturday: Wendy & the Soul Shakers (noon); Briar Hill Band (1:30 p.m.); Josh Magwood & The Underestimated Band (3 p.m.); Rebel Pride (4:30 p.m.); Poco (6:30 p.m.); and '70s soft-rockers Pure Prairie League (8:45 p.m.).
Sunday: The Swinging Johnsons (1 p.m.); B.J. Thomas & the Generals (2 p.m.); Stormbringer (3:30 p.m.); and the weekend's headliner, saxophonist/ex-E Street Band member Clarence Clemons (5:30 p.m.).
Vinoy Park's at 501 Bayshore Drive N., St. Petersburg. Taste of Pinellas hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-7 p.m. Sunday. Parking and shuttle service are free. Call 727-892-4193 or visit www.tasteofpinellas.com.
—Kelli K
This article appears in May 31 – Jun 6, 2001.