Tampa....

We have a LONG way to go, before we can become anything like Chicago, Washington DC, or St.Pete's Downtown. But even so, there's something really cool about knowing that we will never be like any of those cities. Despite the sad reality that this is a brain drain city, there is so much incredible potential that hides within these sky scrapers, and outside the parameters of our citie's core. I'm trying my hardest to make the most out of living here. I have to keep reminding myself that despite the fact that so many awesome businesses, initiatives, people, and close friends that keep leaving, some of us have to stay. Some of us have to do what we can to make sure that this city continues to thrive. For a chapter of my life, this is where I am meant to be. I am not sure how long this chapter is, but I  do know that I must do whatever it takes to make every opportunity count.

I guess that's the beauty of living in Tampa. While we are not known for our cultural/arts scene, or for being a progressive city that takes sustainability seriously. For goodness sake, Tampa has deemed two national reputations:
1. Being one of the most dangerous cities to bike ride around
2. Being the strip club capital

However,there are opportunities to jump start the improvement of Tampa. For one thing, this city has a very rich history that all of us Tampa residents must begin exploring. There are countless people in this city that do crave seeing the arts come into full fruition here. There are activist, allies and scholars that are doing what they can to promote better and more sustainable living practices for others in this city. I've only been living here for four years, but I do know that slowly but surely, things are happening in the city: city council members and developers are starting to listen to the needs of the citizens of Tampa, our cries for better roads, safer routes and trails for bicyclists, community gardens, improved public transportation, more green spaces, and even more of the arts.I just wish things could happen sooner. 


Maybe, just maybe for this to happen sooner, more people have to step up, and become committed to doing their part(s) to see these dreams become realities: Grassroots power. With a grassroots perspective, I am more convinced on how vital it is for the renaissance of Tampa to include the needs of ALL of it's residents, regardless of race, INCOME, creed, sexual orientation, or citizenship status. Everyone deserves a say on what goes on here.

Part of me has this desire to peace out and move to Chicago, or DC. But when I meet members of my community that are so optimistic and passionate about working to improve Tampa, and staying to stick around to see these positive changes, something inside of me also wants to do the same. 

Until then... I'll be sticking around for a little bit longer.One day at a time...

Culinary Bike Tour Part I: East Tampa

This all started when one day, as I was driving home from work, I wanted to do something different: Rather than taking I-275 south to return, I wanted to instead take a road less traveled. So, my car did the thinking, and took me east on Fowler, then South on 40th Street. What I found amazed me: endless barbecue stands with hand painted signs, old Black churches, trees, and a gorgeous food of the Hillsbourough. I have to return...but on my bike, was my thought. 
 

The route

Sure enough, I created a Facebook event, called the 'East Tampa Culinary Bike Tour'. Honestly, I had no plan to stop at any specific places-I was open to whatever the road hit. So, I rounded up my friends, and off we went! 

Me and my Friends 

Our Bikes 

Stop 1: Martha's Place [5202 North Nebraska Avenue Tampa] 

Martha's Place is a Black owned establishment, that sits right off of Nebraska Avenue (right across from Ella's). This place has diner style food at VERY cheap prices.

What made us stop by this place was their $2.99 breakfast special, which they proudly advertised on a sign outside of this restaurant. Half of us ordered the first $2.99 special, which consisted of one egg, one strip of bacon/1 sausage link, and one piece of toast. I, on the other hand, ordered the second $2.99 breakfast special, which was half of a biscuits and gravy meal. 

 

The food was alright, it served it's purpose of keeping our bellies filled to move onto our second destination. 

Stop 2: Island Crew Catering Services [6601 N 40TH ST Tampa] 

Island Crew Catering Services was one destination that our Friend Robert and his girlfriend Jamie did recommend we swing by during our journey. This place is a random Jamaican food truck that sights right off of 40th street, right in front of the Hillsbourough River. I'm going to let the following pics speak for themselves...

 

The Owner

This place was awesome. We had been looking for a good barbecue stand, but then found this gem. The owner is incredibly nice, the food was cheap, the portions were HUGE (we split two dishes), and the food was incredible. They even gave us free sherbert (I can't promise they'll do the same for you, but then again, who knows!). 

Stop 3: Random boar parking lot [Somewhere on 40th St, Tampa] This was a nice place to rest, and let our bellies begin digesting our meals. Nothing like taking in the beauty of the Hillsbourough River....

Stop 4: Big Foot Tavern [7201 North 40th Street Tampa]

As we continued to ride up 40th street, we couldn't help but stop by this random watering hole. If there has been something inside of you that has always wanted to get in touch with your inner dixie, Nascar watchin', Budlight drinkin', southern rock side, then come here! While you're at it...buy a bag of their home boiled peanuts!

 


 Stop 4: Petra Restaurant [4812 E Busch Blvd # E Tampa]



We went from Black Soul food, to Jamaican jerk, to 'Redneck' chow. And now, we had stumbled upon Petra, located off of East Busch Blvd, in the heart of Tampa's unofficial Islamic/Middle Eastern district. 
 

Really good Turkish Coffee Most of us were pretty full by now, so at this point, all we wanted was some Turkish coffee, and baklava. Unfortunately, they were out of most things on their menu-including the Turkish coffee and baklava. As soon as we were about to just leave, the waitress went to purchase more Turkish coffee-for us! Talk about good customer service! 

Stop 5: Java Food Market [4702 E. Busch Blvd, Tampa]
 
This was our last food stop for the day (we were pretty much stuffed). However, we still wanted some dessert. Java is a Palestinian owned grocery store, which sells things like babaganouche, baklava, hummus, chickpeas, and more! But at really low prices. They just opened a cafe, which....served baklava! And amazing baklava! Once again, we shared a few pieces, and split the tab evenly amongst ourselves.

Stop 6: This seafood stand [Somewhere down 40th Street]:

I know, I know. Even though we were stuffed beyond capacity, something inside of us had a lingering curiosity to check out this seafood stand. Too bad they were closed that day.

Lessons learned from this 8 mile journey: 

 1.ALWAYS BRING CASH!! Many hole-in-the-wall eateries do not have a credit card machine.

 2.We had fun swinging by whatever food stand we encountered. But I feel like we could have done a better job pacing out the distance between each place, because we got stuffed too soon.

 3.Rather than us each ordering individual dishes, we will always make sure to just split and share a couple larger plates. 

4.Next time, I will be more intentional about doing preliminary research about local Tampa restaurants. This way, I can get in contact with the manager, and let them know a bunch of us are swinging by to sample their food, in advanced [maybe we can even get a discount, this way!] 

5.One of the main point of this bike tour was to sample some of the barbecue, which NEVER happened. This will happen next time I'm biking down 40th. 

More culinary bike tours to come...stay on the look out!

Viital's.Amazing.delicious.gluten free.

Love eating organics food that's also gluten free? Did you know that there's actually a bakery/cafe HERE in Tampa that exclusively specializes in these two types of food..???

Well, Believe it or not...it's here! it is Viital's Specialty Bakery & lifestyle Cafe. They specialize in baking and serving foods that are organic, hypo allergenic, and Gluten free. O! and for you conscious vegans...a good percentage of the menu features vegan friendly options :) Seriously, I'm here right now, and I was swepped by the aroma of fresh bread baking in their ovens in the back kitchen. But. I was blown away by the "Sophisticated" panini, a panini filled with melted goat cheese, spinach, red onion, with a thyme and basil dressing. SO GOOD!

The refresh panini


They also have other baked goods, with muffins, cupcakes, cookies, and organic, fair trade coffee. Many of these without additives, filled with protein. The prices are Awesome, with sandwiches under $6.50, and coffee beverages under $3.89

I give this place a thumbs up. Did I mention that they have *free* wifi?? Wake up college students!





Come to Viital's Specialty Bakery and lifestyle cafe
6605D N Florida Ave (right next to a pizzeria)
Tampa,Fl 33604
813.443.4567.
www.viitals.com

Vegetarian Smoothie

10/2009-5/2010 R.I.P.

Today...is a day of sadness and mourning for me. One of the potential beacons of cultural and artistic hope for Tampa just got brought out by New Way Cafe: The Organic Juice lounge & co op. It was right located in a house right off of Florida avenue. Basically, they served original juice and smoothie concoctions, adorned in kick ass Frida Kahlo/Dia De los Muertos decor. Well, I wanted to swing by there this week and saw that they got bought out for a sports bar trying to cram into a tiny house....just doesnt seem right....maybe one day i'll check out the new place, but it will never be the same...Just when Tampa was starting to really emerge into a novice arts portal, it once again, seemed to have backfired.
Let's have a moment of silence, people.



ON the bright side, I, Mara Latorre, created one of the most magnificent concoctions, ever. It was a smoothie with 7 leaves of spinach, 1/4 of an avocado, yellow mango, ripened banana, orange juice, almond milk, ginger, honey, and yes...psyllium husk [its for heart and colon health]

it sounds like a monster....but it was amazing. very refreshing...and to tell you the truth, you couldnt even distinguish the flavor of the spinach or avocado. Im going to start looking into vegetable smoothie recipes. Seriously people, start incorporating vegetables into your smoothies...its healthy and good!

I WILL be on the lookout for another obscure juice bar here in Tampa...one that is NOT a tropical smoothie or Jamba juice. Until then, enjoy the smoothie recipe I just posted!

Destination #1 Thailand!

What can us trekkers do when we have a travel itch during these though economic times..??? Thailand...or...the next best thing: Wat Mongkolratanaram!

Imagine this: a Thai Buddhist temple, soft music, the mixing scent of coconuts, curry, jasmine rice and peanut chicken in the air, all followed by dozens of smiling, happy people gathering near riverside picnic benches, mouthing heaps of delicious Thai food.


^^ photo courtesy of pattaynewbie ^^


Well, its real, and its here in Tampa. Every Sunday from like 10 am 2 pm, Wat The Mongkolratanaram Thai Buddhist Complex opens its doors to the Public. Dozens of lined booths sell 75 cent sesame read bean buns, $1 dollar thai teas, $5 dollar boxes filled of curry chicken, pad thai, and so fourth..... mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm




^^ NOT my photo!! ^^


Come to Wat Mongkolratanaram on 5306 Palm River Rd. Tampa, 33619.
every sunday.
free to get in- just bring $5+ bucks
people of all religions and believes welcome.
yum.

The Spork is back!!

Hey hungry children!!

I know, i know. It's been a good year now since I've began the Greasyy Spork, and a whole lot of ups and downs have occurred in my life during this lengthy period. BUT, i'm back, and full of inspiration. I JUST returned from a month long mission trip in Mexico, and after being exposed to the smells, flavors, and textures of Mexico, I've got a bit of inspiration.

SO, with that being said, I want to dedicate the next few posts to highlighting some of MY favorite hole in the wall Global eateries here in the Bay. Tampete is a very ethnically diverse area, with people representing different corners of our globe. And while most of us would LOVE to travel around the world, we can't, cause we're too broke! BUT...we CAN afford to eat, right...?

Get your passports out, suitcases packed, and mouths open...because wer'e about to go on a culinary global adventure, Tampete style!

jazz in tampa???? o yeah.

Andrew enjoying a beer while enjoying the jazz at Karma Cafe

I've got to let you all know, I'm a HUGE jazz fan. I don't know what it is about that beautiful genre that draws and mesmorizes me-maybe its the infusion of improvisation, and the complexity of different rhythyms, beats, harmonies and melodies! its so hard for me to explain-i feel like im trying to explain my love for a different language. But being from Tampa bay, it hasnt been easy trying to find places or collectives which actually play jazz on a semi-regular basis. until now. I'm about to highligh some hot spots where YOU can hear some hot jazz.for free. This aint Chicago or New York...but wev'e got some talent...

Cafe Kili


Near USF, but feel deprived from great jazz? Well, ive got the cure for you. Cafe Kili, located on a shopping center, nestled between a Sushi place, cici's pizza, and Hillsbourough Kids! Step inside, and youll immediatley notice that this is no ordinary jazz gig- this is an interactive jazz session. spectators and cool cats come and bring their trumpets, bases, and saxophones and freeley join in as they please. Check out Cafe Kili, located on 5731 E. Fowler avenue,on Monday nights from 7-9pm for some amazing, improv jazz. http://www.cafekili.com/

Karma Cafe & Bar


For whomever keeps complaining about there never being a thing to do in downtown Tampa really ought to wake up and listen to the music! While the Karma Cafe may be a little tricky to find, its extremely worth the journey. This posh, hidden gem is filled with colorful artwork from Artcore artists, great beer, board games, and yes...amazing jazz. You'll hear the classic miles davis covers, as well as some crazy ass improv that will blow your mind. listen to some jazz, while taking in the downtown vibe, and check the out the Karma Cafe, located on 206 N. Morgan St, Tampa . Tuesday nights, from 8-11 pm http://www.myspace.com/karmabarandcafe

Indigo Coffee

Photo courtesy of looptampa.com

I know, I know. Cafe Indigo, it's sort of a chain, and I HATE talking about chain places because of all the great local places in this area, but Cafe Indigo is different-for one thing, it's not Starbucks! Although I still have yet to check the downtown Tampa location, I remember recently driving through the area, and reading a sign about their weekend jazz. According to the site, you can check out Indigo Coffee, at 514 N Franklin St, on Friday nights from about 6-8:30 p.m. for their jazz-i'll keep you posted on my opinions of this place at a near distant time (if I can find the time to get off work..)


USF

Photo courtesy of http://mondaynightjazz.arts.usf.edu/

'' One of the best-kept secrets at USF, the Monday Night Jazz Series was started in 1996. Each semester, the Jazz Studies department welcomes acclaimed musicians to perform with the USF Jazz students and faculty on the last Monday of each month. Each artist conducts masterclasses with USF music students as part of their appearance making the Monday Night Jazz Series a bright spot for the students and faculty of the School of Music, as well as the Tampa Bay area jazz audience. '' - http://mondaynightjazz.arts.usf.edu/
I'm not sure if theyre still doing this, now that it's summer, but I know for a fact that once the fall and spring semester begin, this will definatley be in action. Its about $10 dollars I believe, but it's WORTH EVERY PENNY! Support the Jazz program at my school, and check this gem out!



Am I forgetting to bring some other areas to the limelight?? Are there any other hot spots that play jazz in tampa?? hit me up!

*cheers*