In signature CL style, five places where you can get your food and drink on this weekend.
At both Ava and its older sibling, 717 South, the annual Thanksmas Fundraiser returns on Friday with a menu of homemade family recipes from Joe Maddon: spaghetti and meatballs, sausage and pierogi. A bunch of the former Tampa Bay Rays manager's friends — including Kevin Kiermaier and Chris Archer (Rays), David Ross (Chicago Cubs) and Matt Joyce (Oakland Athletics) — are prepared to whip up drinks behind the bar, too. Proceeds from the benefit event, hosted from 6 to 10 p.m., support the Respect 90 Foundation, Homeless Empowerment Program, Salvation Army, and Trinity Cafe. To secure a spot, call either restaurant for reservations. $75 with dinner, $40 without. Ava: 718 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-300-5070. 717 South: 717 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-250-1661.
Kraftologee's Holiday Wreath Making Workshop, scheduled for Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon, allows participants to make and take their own seasonal wreath that usually retails for $50. Supplies are provided. An added bonus for people who register: kids play at the cafe-meets-playhouse for free. Did we mention there's coffee and all-day breakfast on the menu here? $30. 10312 Bloomingdale Ave. #101, Riverview, 813-252-3106.
How is Zephyrhills Brewing Company ringing in its 1st Anniversary Party? With two food trucks, live music, a beard-decorating content (yes, really), raffles, and 28 house beers on tap, including some limited-release and barrel-aged offerings, from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday. Free, money for beer and food. 38530 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills, 813-715-2683.
Deep-fried buffalo-style "chicken" sandwiches on Jamison B. Breadhouse Bakes buns — served with blue cheese and celery slaw — are in store for the Vegan Pop Up at Jug & Bottle Dept.'s yearly Krampusfest. These eats from 3 Dot Dash, a local veg-friendly restaurant, are vegan, but also limited (read: come early to ensure you score some). On Sunday, it all starts at 11 a.m. Free, money for food. 6201 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-675-4522.
Also on Sunday, the latest Supper Club gathering for LC's Cafe and Supper Club has filet mignon in the spotlight. Other menu items from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. include blue cheese wedge salad, butternut squash souffle and the cafe's signature blackberry sangria. Seating is limited, so register online in advance. Guests must be 21 years old and up. $48. 1602 Oakfield Drive #103, Brandon, 813-526-9395.
