Wednesday, December 29: World of Wines South Tampa Get a taste of several special bubblies to get you in the New Years' spirit, along with some tasty hors d'oeuvres. $15; 6-8 p.m. 3431 South West Shore Blvd, Tampa. 813-835-9463
Thursday, December 30: Publix Greenwise Market
Do you know what you'll be drinking when the ball drops on New Year's Eve? Let Publix Greenwise Market help you decide which bubbly to buy at this free tasting. Free; 4-7 p.m. 2403 West Azeele St., Tampa; 813-250-0129, publix.com/greenwise
Thursday, December 30: Total Wine & More St. Pete and Tampa locations
Enjoy a complimentary tasting from the Belvedere Vodka line, featuring their Macerated line made with fresh fruits and flowers. 4-7 p.m. St. Pete, 727-544-6018; 1720 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, 813-350-9601; totalwine.com
Friday, December 31: Total Wine & More Clearwater
Enjoy a complimentary tasting from the Belvedere Vodka line, featuring their Macerated line made with fresh fruits and flowers. 4-7 p.m. 2528 State Road 580, Clearwater; 727-431-1010, totalwine.com
Friday-Sunday, December 31-January 2: Total Wine & More (all locations)
New World wines are making a name for themselves and can be found at fantastic prices. Come to this free tasting to explore South American wine offerings. 12-6 p.m. 2528 State Road 580, Clearwater, 727-431-1010; 4880 Park Street N., St. Pete, 727-544-6018; 1720 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, 813-350-9601; totalwine.com
Friday, December 31: 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House
Offering a decadent four-course menu for NYE which includes lobster tails, filet Mignon and a whole list of mouthwatering options. And, you'll be just a hop, skip and a jump from the fireworks spectacle at midnight in Straub Park. $59.95; menu available after 6 p.m. until close. 400 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete, 727-896-2400; 400beachseafood.com
Friday, December 31: Aquaknox
Ring in 2011 at Aquaknox's holiday party and buffet. Includes live music, Champagne toast, and they're even throwing in hats and noisemakers. $75; 7 and 9:30 p.m. 7627 Courtney Campbell Parkway, Tampa, 813-281-0000; aquaknox.net
Friday, December 31: Bella Brava
If you're in more of a mood for Italian while celebrating on Christmas and New Year's Eves in downtown St. Pete, Bella Brava is serving up holiday specials along with their regular menu. 04 Beach Dr NE, St. Pete, 727-895-5515; bellabrava.com
Friday, December 31: Brio Tuscan Grille
After a long day of returning Christmas gifts and redeeming gift cards at the mall, celebrate the end of the holidays at Brio. Offering a seafood- and pasta-filled New Year's Eve menu and complimentary sparkling cider. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-877-3939, brioitalian.com
Friday, December 31: Cafe Alma
Besides a four-course menu on New Year's Eve, Cafe Alma will also be having a Champagne toast, free shots and $5 Jaeger Bombs at midnight. (Holiday prixe fixe menu offered through January 2nd.) Live entertainment provided by DJ Mathu Bishop. Call for reservations. $49.99, $39.99 if dining before 5:30 p.m. 260 1st Ave. S. #100, St. Pete. 727-502-5002, cafealma.com.
Friday, December 31: Cafe Dufrain
If you're planning to watch the fireworks from the Channelside area, be sure to keep Cafe Dufrain's four-course NYE dinner in mind. After dinner, head to downtown or Channelside for the view, or just stay and enjoy them here. Call for reservations and more information. $60. 707 Harbour Post Drive, Tampa. 813-275-9701; cafedufrain.com
Friday, December 31: Carmel Café
The new kid on the block in Clearwater, this Mediterranean eatery is offering a four-course prixe fixe menu for two with optional wine pairings for their NYE menu. Live entertainment. Call for reservations. $35 per couple, $75 with wine pairings. 2548 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater. 727-724-4228, carmelcafe.com
Friday, December 31: Cassis American Brasserie
Indulge in a bistro themed NYE dinner at Cassis. The five-course menu will be served before 7:30 p.m. at $60 per person, and a larger, six-course menu complete with Champagne toast for $90 will be available after 7:30. They're also offering a special New Year's Day brunch with $5 mimosas and Bloody Marys. 170 Beach Drive, St. Pete, 727-827-2927; cassisab.com.
Friday, December 31: Columbia Restaurants
On New Year's Eve, they're offering three different dining experiences: dinner with flamenco show, limited a la carte menu and the celebration menu in the Ybor Café. Check locations for hours. 2117 East 7th Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4961; 800 2nd Avenue N.E. (on the fourth floor of the Pier), St. Pete, 727-822-8000; 1241 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater, 727-596-8400; columbiarestaurant.com
Friday, December 31: Florida Aquarium
Splash in the new year by celebrating at Aqua-Eve. Enjoy great food, beer and wine throughout the evening while viewing the dazzling aquarium exhibits. Dance to live entertainment and toast to the new year with a champagne toast at midnight while enjoying the best view in town for the amazing fireworks display over Channelside. Purchase tickets here. $100, $160 for ticket and fireworks cruise; 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa.
Friday, December 31: Kelly's For Just About...Anything!
Forget a fancy dinner, Kelly's is throwing a whole party for New Year's Eve, featuring the musical stylings of The Black Honkeys, plus a Champagne toast and buffet at midnight. $25 or $125 for a reserved table (incl. a bottle of bubbly); 7 p.m.-? 319 Main St., Dunedin, 727-736-5284; kellyschicaboom.com
Friday, December 31: The Lobster Pot Bistro
Living up to their name, the Lobster Pot's NYE feast will include plenty of lobster, as well a lineup of live jazz performances. The 8:30 seating will include a Champagne toast at midnight. $25 admission after 8 p.m. (includes Champagne toast). 731 Bayway Blvd., Clearwater, 727-446-8809; southbeach-grill.com
Friday, December 31: Marchand's Bar and Grille at the Renaissance Vinoy
Open for all three occasions, Marchand's will be offering three different holiday menus on each day. Christmas Eve: $50, children $16, 4:30-9 p.m.; Christmas Day: $50, children $16, 1-8 p.m.; New Year's Eve: a la carte dining from 5-6 p.m., celebration dinner seatings between 8-9 p.m., $100 (includes glass of Champagne). 501 5th Ave NE, St Pete, 727-824-8072; marchandsbarandgrill.com
Friday, December 31: Mise en Place
Ring in the new year with Mise's gourmet four-course menu. Seatings before 7:30 p.m: $69; after 7:30 p.m.: $79 (includes Champagne toast). 442 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813- 254-5373; miseonline.com
Friday, December 31: Kon Tiki at the Tahitian
Celebrate New Year's Eve island-style at Kon Tiki and enjoy their special three-course holiday menu, as well as music by DJ Docille, and a Champagne toast. Call for reservations. $35. 601 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. 813-877-6721 ext. 0, kontikitampa.com
Friday, December 31: NoHo Bistro
Enjoy a three- or five-course menu with optional wine pairings for each course at NoHo's special NYE dinner. Call for reservations and more information. 3-course meal: $35, 5-course meal: $55, $5 wine pairing per course; 5-9 p.m. 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. 813-514-0691, thenohobistro.com
Friday, December 31: Pelagia Trattoria at the Renaissance International Plaza
Pelagia is offering an Italian-inspired, five-course menu for New Year's Eve. Call for hours and reservations. 2223 N. West Shore Blvd, Tampa (lobby level of the Renaissance International Plaza Tampa Hotel), 813-313-3235; pelagiatrattoria.com
Friday, December 31: Pour House at Grand Central
Help the Pour House celebrate their very first New Year's Eve by attending this beer-studded event. Live music by Shane Meade and the Sound from 8-10 p.m. Cover gets you an Italian buffet from Pizza Pazza, 2 complimentary draft beers or wines by the glass and a split bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne. $35 at the door, $30 if purchased in advance at the bar; 8 p.m.-2 a.m. 1208 East Kennedy Blvd. #112, Tampa. 813-402-2923, pourhousetampa.com
Friday, December 31: The Refinery
Offering a special menu just for the occasion, as well as an hor d'oeuvres buffet in the upstairs room after the dining room closes (plus, "a bunch of other surprises," we heard). Dinner: 5-11 p.m., bar open until 2 a.m. 5137 N Florida Ave., Tampa. 813-237-2000, thetamparefinery.com
Friday, December 31: Roy's
If Asian fusion is more to your liking, then you'll definitely want to experience Roy's four-course New Year's Eve menu. It includes old favorites and new creations, including some tasty-looking cocktails. 4342 W Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-873-7697; roysrestaurant.com
Friday, December 31: Savannah's Cafe
Offering a Southern-inspired, four-course menu. Call for more information and reservations. 1113 Central Ave., St. Pete, 727-388-4371; www.savannahscafe.com
Friday, December 31: Timpano Italian Chophouse
What a better way to ring in the New Year than to do so under the stars? Timpano is hosting a red carpet, black and white themed to benefit the Gasparilla International Film Fest. Desserts, bubbly and cigars will be served under the 30 ft. tall, heated tent where you'll be able to dance the night away. Purchase tickets at therooftopeve.com. $100; 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 1610 W Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-254-5870; timpanochophouse.net
Friday, December 31: Wildwood BBQ at The Postcard Inn
If you're wanting a beachside view of the fireworks and a more casual experience on NYE, head to Wildwood BBQ for their three-course menu. What a better way to ring in the new year than with baby back ribs? Call for hours. 6300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 800-875-2347; postcardinn.com
Sunday, January 2: Whole Foods Market
The New Year is the perfect time to make positive changes in our lives by making healthier choices. Learn how to set realistic goals to improve your overall health with healthy eating specialists. Register by the exit lobby or by emailing [email protected]. Free event; 11 a.m.-12 p.m. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435; wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/tampa
Thursday, January 6: Whole Foods Market
This month's wine class at WFM is all about the bubbly. Even after the new year, keep the Champagne celebrations going! Who says you cant celebrate all year? Register by the exit lobby or by emailing [email protected]. Free event; 6:30-7:30 p.m. 1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. 813-874-9435; wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/tampa
Weekdays: Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar
Monday- College Night: 2-4-1 happy hour with college or faculty ID, 5 p.m.- close; Tuesday- Half-priced wine bottles, 5 p.m.- close; Wednesday- 2-4-1 glasses of wine. 5p.m.- close; Thursday- $12 unlimited drafts, 8-10 p.m. 2822 E. Bearss Ave., Tampa. 813-341-2900, wood-firedpizza.com
Mondays: Peabody's
Penny pitchers! Buy one pitcher get the second for a penny, including well liquor pitchers and select draft beers. 15333 Amberly Dr., Tampa. 813-972-1725, peabodysbilliards.com
Tuesdays: Cafe Alma
Who needs a Friday or Saturday date night? Get out on a Tuesday to indulge half-priced bottles of wine and tapas all evening, starting at 4:30 p.m. Being frugal never tasted so good. 260 1st Avenue S., St. Pete. 727-502-5002
Tuesdays: Beak's Old Florida
Get 25% off Palm Plate entrees of steaks, pork and choice seafood dishes for "T-Bone Tuesdays" at Beak's (dine in only). 2451 Central Ave., St. Pete. 727-321-9100
Wednesdays: World of Beer (all locations)
Half-off select drafts and, if you kill one of the kegs, you'll be the lucky winner of a $10 gift card to spend on even more beer at WOB. Open-close. www.wobusa.com
Fridays: Taps Wine and Beer Eatery
Ladies receive $4 martinis from 5-10 p.m. 777 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa. 813-463-1968, www.tapswineandbeer.com
Tampa Bay Fresh Markets: Click here to see a list of weekly markets in Tampa Bay.
Image: zpeckler via Flickr