Tarpon Tavern
Posted by Jeff Stolbom in Craft Beer, Dining, Downtown District, Family, Florida, Food, Tarpon Springs, Things To Do, Wine | 0 comments
This article is part of a series of pieces written by Visit St. Pete Clearwater called “Detours” designed to send you just a little off the beaten path from the beaches and attractions of St. Pete/Clearwater, to discover other, lesser-known local favorites like family-run stores, unique galleries, and tantalizing restaurants. Read on and take a Detour into authentic St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida!
Tarpon Tavern, Tarpon Springs. A local favorite.
Dan Jenkin figured the last thing his adopted hometown of Tarpon Springs needed was another place serving gyros, souvlaki and moussaka. The county’s popular Greek community, with its rustic sponge docks and kitschy shops, has more than its share of Greek eateries. Dan chose a different path with the Tarpon Tavern in the downtown district, a few blocks south of the Hellenic-focused waterfront. It’s an American place—with food he describes as “traditional American that’s been brought up a few notches.” When he opened Tarpon Tavern four years ago, the big question was: Would the locals come? It didn’t take long to get an answer: absolutely. The restaurant/bar (emphasis on restaurant) has become a go-to place where locals mix easily with visitors. In Tarpon Tavern’s first year, Urban Spoon named it one of the Top 50 Bar/Restaurants in the U.S. The 1920s-era building is painted an eye-catching ruddy pink. It features a homey interior and a breezy covered deck, each of which seats 50. Dan, a first-time restaurateur, came up with most of the menu items. The staples are burgers and sandwiches, along with salads, flatbreads, seafood and pasta. Behold the ultra-tasty Big Buffalo, a gargantuan stack of breaded, fried chicken bathed in buffalo sauce, topped with bacon and bleu cheese crumbles on a brioche bun. Dan proudly represents St. Pete/Clearwater’s booming craft brewery scene by serving a rotating array of locally produced beers.
The Mottola Twins
Posted by Jeff Stolbom in Events, Family, Florida, News, Things To Do | 0 comments
The Mottola Twins will be performing at Tarpon Springs First Friday events.
Meet Anthony and Vincent Mottola, 16 year old twin brothers who share a passion for music.
The Mottola Twins first performed live when they were eight years old. Mom and Dad set up instruments for the boys in front of a strip mall during Christmas. Anthony and Vincent played holiday songs that they had been practicing.
Over the past eight years Anthony and Vincent have continued to perform in talent shows in elementary, middle, and high school. The boys have also done many performances at their church, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church where they attended faith formation and Life, a teen youth program.
A Talented Team of Two.
Vincent loves dancing, playing drums, piano and acoustic guitar. Anthony and Vincent both love photography, acting, and travel, and performed in the play Bye Bye Birdie at the Richey Suncoast Theatre. The Mottola Twins were selected one of 26 talented youths in the Tampa Bay Area out of 300 applicants to join the Grammy Revolution Project at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Anthony composed two original songs and performed them live at Ruth Eckerd Hall, and came first runner up in a local singing contest at the 21st Annual Philippine Festival. The boys are devoted to their studies and being respectful to everyone.
The Mottola Twins perform locally as an acoustic duo playing anything from Justin Bieber, Greenday to James Taylor. Anthony and Vincent recently played at the Grand Opening of the Rays 3rd baseman Evan Longoria’s restaurant, Ducky’s. They also performed at Taste of South Tampa, Oldsmar Beef O Brady’s, and are preparing for their third performance at Tarpon Springs First Friday.
If you love acoustic music, don't miss the Mottola Twins live performance at Tarpon Spring's next First Friday Event!
Event Promotes Shop Local
Posted by Jeff Stolbom in Amusement, Craft Beer, Dining, Downtown District, Events, Florida, Food, Shopping, Tarpon Springs, Things To Do, Wine | 0 comments
Join the Tarpon Springs Merchants Association on the first Friday of every month for our First Friday Event!
The event is held in the Downtown District of Tarpon Springs on E. Tarpon Avenue, Hibiscus Street and Safford from 6pm-10pm on the first Friday of every month (excluding January and December). There will be live music, vendors, food concessions, beer, wine and a different theme each month.
May 6th, 2016 is Latin Night!
Love handmade? We have 100 vendors selling everything from soaps...
textiles...
handcrafted food...
kettle corn, wood work...you name it! All handmade by our community's talented artisans and artists.
The Tarpon Springs Merchants Association supports the "Shop Local" initiative. There are many people who supplement their income by vending at festivals and markets like ours. For some, it is a hobby that they hope will one day be a full-time venture. Your support and encouragement can help launch the business of their dreams. Before you click the 'Buy It Now" button online, why not see what our local community has to offer? All of our downtown businesses support and carry local art, jewelry, accessories, and many other items. If we don't make a concerted effort to support local, it won't be long before all we have is big box discount stores. How boring would that be?
Many of the local boutiques and galleries have extended hours on the evening of the event. This is a great way to discover the eclectic art galleries, antique stores, boutiques, home decor, furniture & gift stores that Downtown Tarpon Springs has to offer.
Prefer to dine in? The downtown district has award-winning burgers and craft beer at our taverns, breweries and sports bars...
Fine dining, from Modern American to Greek...
Bistros...
Craft pizza...
Bakeries...
with mouth-watering pie...
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