This paradise where we live never lacks for new wonders
By ERNEST HOOPER
Published December 28, 2007
Every time I meet someone who is new to Tampa Bay, I share my passion for the area by recalling the annual to-do lists I have crafted for the last four years.
It's a celebration of not just what makes this area great, but what gives it character. The task simply requires that you fill in the blank, Match Game style, to this sentence:
You haven't lived in Tampa Bay until you have ...
... seen a Bucs player return a kickoff for a touchdown. Man it feels good to write that.
... enjoyed muffins at Lunch on Limoge in Dade City.
... heard St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker croon at the Saturday morning market.
... lost a cell phone call driving over the hump of the Howard Frankland Bridge.
...been overwhelmed by the huge and awesome carne asada burrito at El Taco Nacho in Seminole Heights.
... taken in the sights and sounds from a sidewalk table at the Parkshore Grill in downtown St. Petersburg.
... bumped into a Lightning star at the Rack after a big victory.
... tasted the blueberry sausage at Sweetbay.
... been questioned by an out-of-town friend about the deposed transsexual/city manager. Or the hit-rock-bottom American Idol contestant.
... gone to Four Green Fields by yourself and walked away with four new friends.
... driven by the dirt mound that is Trump Tower and said, "Yeah, sure."
... taken part in WEDU's Be More Awards, which salutes the work of nonprofits.
... downed the area's best Cuban sandwich at Brocato's off Interstate 4.
... told friends there is more to Tampa than just strip clubs of course, they won't believe you.
... walked the rustic equestrian trails of Pinellas Park (watch your step).
...witnessed the wonderful work taking place at Academy Prep in St. Petersburg and Tampa.
... devoured one of the shredder bowls at Daily Eats in SoHo.
... had your car towed for parking in the wrong spot in SoHo.
... seen USF coach Jim Leavitt do his man of a thousand faces act after a bad call.
... gone windsurfing on Tierra Verde Beach.
... wolfed down a bacon cheeseburger and fries at Five Guys.
... seen the live mermaids at Ian Beckles' "Blue and White Party" at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino.
... ravished the melt-in-your-mouth shrimp bruschetta from Ponte's Tuscan Grille in Clearwater.
... heard Cleo Hart sing Heart of the Matter at the Fox in Tampa.
... escaped to the past at Baker & Company antiques emporium and general store on N Howard Avenue in Tampa.
... seen a teacher or principal carted off in handcuffs (ouch).
... enjoyed the view of the University of Tampa minarets on a cool evening from the patio at the new Malio's.
... been dazzled by young area jazz talent B.K. Jackson.
... played croquet at the Vinoy.
... attended an event at Ybor City's Centennial Park.
... reveled in the high energy of the students at the D.W. Waters Career Center.
... been enlightened by an event at Studio@620 in St. Petersburg.
Hopefully, you enjoyed my suggestions, but let me know what you think.
That's all I'm saying.