​Wordier Than Thou’s Tiffany Razzano just gets more and more creative in her ways to share the written word with the public. On Saturday she and 12 authors hosted a get together titled Eat Our Words: Local Authors Serve Up Dishes Inspired by Their Books. The concept was brilliant. Authors would come up with a dish related to their book, prepare it, and serve it to  attendees at the event, all while promoting and signing their books. It was held at the Ale and the Witch in St. Petersburg on Saturday afternoon

A Southern Fried Catfish Sundae would probably be good... if you can find it

As I was walking in to the Florida Sate Fair the announcer said that I could get just about anything I wanted there including a haircut, a ride on a camel, or to renew my driver’s license. I was there for one thing - fried fair goodies. Every year fair food offerings become more and more an exercise in absurdity, verifying the assumption that if it is edible and you fry it, someone will eat it. annually I anticipate what could possibly top deep-fried butter or a Krispy Kreme bacon cheddar cheese burger.Recently officials have developed a contest allowing the public to weigh in on what new funky fried feast to feature at the festival. The list gets longer and more absurd every year. inevitably the dishes involve something fried or barbecued, and certainly greasy.

This ain't your grandma's clambake

​In this age of veg-centric dining it’s great to find an old-school seafood community based eating event. A low country boil (aka tide water boil) is the South’s version of a New England clambake. Take some catch of the day shell fish, add sausage and corn on the cob, and boil it all in a pot of water spiked with Old Bay seasoning. After 10 minutes drain it and pour it all out on a table to share communally. ​

​I have been part of the biker community for 25 years. My professional photography career began there. So when I heard they were having a grilled cheese fest at a Harley dealership, I thought I would be right at home. I grabbed my HOG, packed the camera, and went fooding. One thing about bikers; They love to eat (and drink). After a ride on a cold day a grilled cheese (and some tomato soup) sounded perfect. Sure enough there was a festival at Tampa Harley Davidson, but there weren’t many bikers. Cars and young fashion far outnumbered any motorcycles and biker gear. Still, it was cheesy good!

 Go for the produce, stay for the food

​I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan, a lifestyle supported by Sweetwater Organic Community Farm.  But my visit to their Sunday market for the prepared food was very worthwhile. ​ The mission of the farm is to raise organic produce and distribute it weekly (in season) to its members, and to promote urban organic farming and environmental education. Members either pay a fee or work the farm (or both) to get their weekly share. Membership has several levels and allows for donations for farm upkeep as well. It's a pretty good deal and a cool way to ensure that the food you are eating is organic. 

Wow! ...classes at the Epicurean are expensive

Sure, $80 a head seemed like a lot of moolah for sushi. But I love the stuff! So when I heard about a hands on experience with Viet Vo, a high energy and experienced chef preparing the tasty rice dishes, I was on it. Vo is founder of Mad Chef LLC and former Executive Chef at Ox and Fields in Tampa. I have photographed his beautiful work before.Wow, that was expensive!

It's a food AND a cultural experience

The 2017 edition of the Greek Festival at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church kicked off this weekend and continues for 3 days. And, Orthodox Greeks know how to party. Along with loads of options for Greek food the festival offers traditional Greek dancing (with lessons if you are so inclined), lots of beer, wine, and mixed drinks, and tons of activities for the kids. 
I took the time to participate in the church tour which was complimented by traditional choir music and an interesting (but short) lecture by Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis about the history of the Greek Orthodoxy and the building of the Tampa church as well. If you go, take the time to take the tour! A little education and delish food all in one trip is a great afternoon!