Creative Loafing Tampa — December 30, 2021

DEC. 30, 2021 - JAN. 05, 2022 (VOL.34, NO.52) $FREE • CREATIVE LOAFING • CLTAMPA.COM

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PUBLISHER James Howard EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ray Roa DIGITAL EDITOR Colin Wolf STAFF WRITER Justin Garcia CHANTARESTAURANT/FACEBOOK

FOOD and THEATER CRITIC Jon Palmer Claridge FILM & TV CRITIC John Allman IN-HOUSE WITCH Caroline DeBruhl CONTRIBUTORS Josh Bradley, Kyla Fields, Daniel Guess, Alexandria Jones, Stephanie Powers, Dan Savage

ory

PHOTOGRAPHERS Dave Decker

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EDITORIAL INTERN Apply for fall via rroa@cltampa.com

SeaWorld in February, animal rights CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jack Spatafora claiming the practice of keeping wild ILLUSTRATORS Joe Newton, Dan Perkins, d dangerous. But even though public Coryanimal Robinson atmany SeaWorld rights don’t in seeFebruary, a parallel between the kind claiming the practice of keeping wild EXECUTIVES k, and the SENIOR practice ofACCOUNT displaying animals nd dangerous.

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Chanta has an old world charm that only family run restaurants can seem to perfect.

MARKETING, PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS COORDINATOR Lauren Caplinger

CL contributors pick their favorite restaurants of the year, p. 23.

Music: TampaEUCLID Bay BluesMEDIA Fest ...........................

GROUP 40

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Andrew Zelman Music Week ...................................................

42

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICERS Music: Tampa Fest ...........................

Concert review:Bay ArticBlues Monkeys ..........................40 42 Chris Keating, Michael Wagner Music ...................................................

42 The ListWeek ..........................................................

46 VP OF DIGITAL SERVICES Stacy Volhein Concert review: Artic Monkeys ..........................

42 DIGITAL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Movie reviews .....................................................

63 Jaime Monzon TheWill List Astrology ..........................................................

Free .........................................46 64 Movie ........................................................... reviews..................................................... 63 Puzzler euclidmediagroup.com 66

Free Will Astrology......................................... 64 Savage Love ......................................................

69 cltampa.com

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Creative Loafing Tampa is published by Tampa Weekly, LLC, 204 E. Henderson Ave., Tampa, FL, 33602.

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about getting rested and

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rejuvenated for 2022, p. 43.

The newspaper is produced and printed on Indigenous land belonging to Tampa Bay’s How was your Date?

Tocobaga and Seminole tribes.

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/news Please let it be better in 2022

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O

micron’s here, and as this issue went to print, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay staff and contributors were on break, trying to catch their breath. I can only hope that our readers got the same opportunity. Because as we gear up to ring in 2022, this whole thing once again feels like last year. That’s left me feeling a little fed up, and a tiny bit angry—especially for every worker who doesn’t have an option to take a holiday break and instead has to come face to face with *gestures outside*. But mostly I’m wondering if two

emotions—exhaustion and rage—can be bedfellows to hope and optimism, too. As our deadline approaches, I’m going to lean towards yes. I hope you’re not only doing something to protect yourself and others, but actively encouraging others to do the same. We were supposed to be close to out of this by now, but it all feels like a never ending cycle. I refuse to believe that we’ll let selfishness and a lack of empathy win the day in 2022, and I’m really looking forward to next year when I can say we were right.—Ray Roa

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“Details about whether the national search is ongoing, or if it has begun at all, are few and far between.”

POLITICS

ISSUES

OPINION

Private eyes

Mayor Castor promised a nationwide search for Tampa’s next police chief, it appears she’s doing it on her own.

By Justin Garcia a new police chief in 2017. After looking at 60 candidates and narrowing them down to a handful, Buckhorn ultimately decided to promote Dugan from within, citing his efforts during Hurricane Irma and the search for the Seminole Heights serial killer, which ultimately ended when a McDonald’s worker turned him in.

Wexler confirmed that his firm has not been hired by Castor for the current search, and echoed Smith’s sentiment about how Castor’s deep history in law enforcement might help her choose a qualified candidate. Castor first joined TPD in 1984, advancing to assistant chief in 2005 before serving as chief from 2009-2015.

When told there were still no public records related to Castor’s national search, Wexler said, “Sometimes a city will prolong the search and see how things evolve in the police department.”

Critics of TPD’s practices, especially during the George Floyd uprising last year, said that outside leadership is needed, because Delgado is complicit in past abuses TPD waged on its citizens. Rev. Russell Meyer of Black Lives Matter Tampa told the Times that leadership from outside the current power structure at TPD is needed; he said TPD is tightly controlled by Mayor Castor.

While Butch has never been the subject of an internal affairs investigation, Meyer said that the current command structure of TPD, “has Mayor Castor’s handprint on it because she was police chief when it was created.”

Less than two weeks into his role as interim police chief, Delgado defended TPD’s controversial crime free multi-housing program alongside Castor. In December, after the Castor administration and TPD tried to spin the story in their favor, TPD changed the program. Still, Delgado wouldn’t admit it was changed, even though key components of the “crime-free” program were removed.

Delgado, a native Tampeño who went to Jefferson High School, joined the department in 1998. Castor, the police chief at the time, promoted him to captain in 2012. Over the next few years he climbed up the ranks and was made an Assistant Chief in 2020. In October, Delgado told the Tampa Bay Times that he does

indeed want the job of chief—a position that paid Dugan $176,550 a year. State Attorney Andrew Warren, who represents the 13th District, also spoke highly of Delgado, calling him a “credible messenger” and “open minded.”

So as we head into 2022, the lack of information from the city leaves serious questions about Castor’s search for Tampa’s next police chief unanswered. Has the search even started? Who has Castor talked to? Did the city already choose

LOCAL NEWS

their guy in September and tell the press and public one thing while planning to do another?

While we wait for answers, Delgado continues to handle the role of interim police chief.

On Tuesday, he hosted a community forum on gun violence, his next event in a very public tryout to be Tampa’s next top cop. Meanwhile, real details about whether the national search is ongoing, or if it has begun at all, are few and far between.

CITY OF TAMPA/FACEBOOK

L

ast July, after former Tampa Police Department (TPD) Chief Brian Dugan announced his retirement, Mayor Jane Castor said a national search would take place to help find candidates for his replacement.

Turns out that search would be more private than public.

On Dec. 1, nearly three months after Dugan’s last day and five months after he announced his retirement, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay submitted a public records request to the city, asking for documents and other information related to the search.

After three weeks and several follow ups across a handful of city departments, there still aren’t any records. On Dec. 22, City of Tampa Communications Director Adam Smith told CL that Mayor Castor will be relying on her deep connections to law enforcement to aid in the search.

“While she said there would be a national search, I don’t believe it was intended to be a public solicitation for the position,” Smith told CL. “Her connections to law enforcement allow her to look around the country without opening up the floodgates.”

Smith told CL he does not know if Castor has called anyone about the job. He also doesn’t know if there is documentation, but said that anything related to the search, if available, should be included within CL’s public records request.

Meanwhile, Interim Police Chief Delgado— who officially stepped into the role in September when Dugan officially retired on Sept. 10—has been supported by Castor. Because the city has not provided any public records, taxpayers don’t know if Castor’s talked to anyone at all about being Tampa’s next police chief, or prefers to promote Delgado internally.

Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a Washington D.C. based consultant group, told CL that the hiring process for police chief candidates is different for every city, adding that, “Some police departments look at their internal resources, some expand to a national search.”

Wexler’s firm was hired by former Mayor Bob Buckhorn during his public national search for

LINKED IN: Tampa Mayor Jane Castor (R) will decide if Interim Tampa Police Chief Ruben Delgado (L) should have the job permanently.

cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 13

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LIVING ROOM: Multiple city council members have called Tampa’s rent situation a ‘crisis.’

Crisis management

Tampa City Council to workshop ‘rent stabilization.’

By Justin Garcia

I

n an email exchange with a local activist, Tampa Deputy City Attorney Andrea Zelman confirmed that city council will hold a February 2022 workshop to address housing issues. The decision to look deeper into the widening housing crisis seemed to come after St. Petersburg City Council voted to explore rent control last week, but Zelman wrote that Tampa’s upcoming workshop was being planned before that.

“In October, before the motion referenced in the article was made in St. Petersburg, the Tampa City Council made a motion for our office to research and report on the ability of the City to adopt a rent stabilization ordinance, as has been done in some cities outside the State of Florida,” Zelman wrote in the email. “This matter is scheduled to be discussed at a City Council workshop on February 24, 2022.”

Zelman said that Tampa City Council, the Mayor, the City’s Housing and Community Development Department, and the City Attorney’s office, among others, are keenly aware of Tampa’s housing affordability issues.

According to numbers from the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, 5,423 Writs of Possession—the final stage in the eviction process where tenants are removed by law enforcement—have been filed as of Dec. 19.

She said the city has been coordinating and sharing research on these issues with attorneys from Hillsborough County, who have also been asked to explore legal options to address the rising rent problem. Zelman said the city will be discussing the issue with attorneys from St. Petersburg as well.

Her email came in response to Angel D’Angelo, a Tampa activist who has been fighting for affordable housing, among other social justice issues, for years.

D’Angelo wrote in his initial email, sent on Dec. 18, that he and other activists had a meeting with city officials last year about exploring rent control, but nothing materialized.

“We pretty much got an email saying we hit the end of the road and that no municipality has attempted to pursue rent control in the last 50 years. (Which—who cares—are we champions of progressive policy or do we wait for others to do it?),” D’Angelo wrote. “Not feeling much like ‘Champa Bay’ if you ask me.”

D’Angelo attached screenshots of emails from December 2020, which show discussion between himself and city officials. In those emails, Zelman cited Florida state laws that make rent control difficult, writing, “Please note that at the outset, per the [Florida] statutes, the City cannot impose rent or other price

LOCAL NEWS

CHRISTOPHER BOSWELL/ADOBE

controls on any business that is not franchised by, owned by or under contract with a governmental agency.”

This month, Zelman again cited Florida Statute 166.043 as a challenge. The statute puts limits on a local government’s ability to adopt a rent control ordinance. While Zelman said that the state law is not completely stopping the City from exploring possibilities, official recommendations addressing the crisis have have yet to be made.

“Please be assured that despite the limitations imposed by the Florida legislature, the City of Tampa is continuing to explore all available options to address rising rents and other such issues that impact housing affordability,” Zelman wrote.

There are other ways for cities to address the housing crisis, housing advocates say. For example, the St. Petersburg Tenant’s Union (SPTU) has pointed out that declaring a housing state of emergency and then having a ballot referendum introduced would allow citizens to vote on controlling rent.

As SPTU has pushed for this solution, groups like the Bay Area Apartment Association and other landlord groups have pushed back against the potentially life saving approach to rent control.

Zelman told CL during a phone call that the ballot referendum process could be costly if arranged outside of a regular election season, that the city would have to make findings to prove the housing crisis presents a grave threat

to its citizens. After a year, the process would have to start over again. This process is like this because of the state laws in place, Zelman said.

There are other possible methods for protecting renters, even if not directly from rising rents. In November, to protect those suddenly evicted, Oregon’s supreme court upheld a law calling for landlords in Portland to pay renters who face last minute evictions. This helps the residents be less housing insecure in the face of evictions during the housing crisis.

Multiple Tampa city council members have called the rent situation in Tampa a “crisis” this year.

Councilman Bill Carlson told CL that city council has been working hard for two and a half years to provide incentives for affordable housing. “It’s important that people have the ability to rent or buy housing they can afford,” Carlson told CL. “But in Tampa, we need an increase to our overall inventory of affordable housing.”

In October, the Tampa Bay Times reported that Mayor Jane Castor announced that the city is more than halfway to its affordable housing goal of 10,000 units, with nearly 6,000 units being planned, in construction or completed. No specifics about the stage of development the units were in was included in the story, so CL asked the city. In early November, of those nearly 6,000 units, 2,839 were still being planned, 501 were under construction, 2,538 were already constructed.

“We need an increase to our overall inventory of affordable housing.”

cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 15

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Ybor chicken microsanctuary announces new headquarters.

By Justin Garcia

T

he Ybor Misfits Microsanctuary (YMM) has found a new home in Ybor City, on 17th Avenue across the street from the historic J.C. Newman Cigar Company factory.

Last week, the sanctuary, known for nursing struggling “misfit” chickens back to health and its chicken yoga sessions, shared excitement about the move, which will give the organization more room to do its rescue work. YMM’s previous home was also in Ybor City, but did not have as much space available as the new location.

“We’ve been dropping vague hints about a relocation for both the YMM and its humans for some time. I’m overly superstitious, so I rarely say anything too concrete before something is signed for and completed,” Dylan Breese, founder of YMM, wrote in an announcement. “Well, as of last Thursday, a big chunk of our plans have been set in stone!”

Last week the sanctuary’s operators bought a 101-year old Ybor City casita that is essentially on the Sanchez y Haya and J.C. Newman Cigar Company campus, across from the iconic El Reloj museum and factory. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

Next to the house are several vacant lots— but they will not be empty for long, said Breese.

In the announcement, he said that thanks to the hard work of many, and through the extraordinary generosity of donors and partners, the lots will become part of the next and permanent Ybor Misfits Microsanctuary.

Since August, YMM has been working with Tampa Bay Homes, the Newman Family, and the team at J.C. Newman. They’ve been building support, not only from those within the neighborhood, but from high profile people like Senator Janet Cruz, developer Darryl Shaw, along with Hotel Haya, and more.

YMM says they also met with key players within the City, and have a plan in place for the operation to be in full swing at its new home before the end of 2022.

“Things could not be more exciting for us and for Ybor’s needy birds! To be clear, more and better space doesn’t mean more animals,” YMM wrote.

“It means more room for them to rest, heal, rehab, meet their future families, and for some of the forever-vulnerable, to live out their days.”

In this new chapter, YMM will start a more formal volunteer program and hopes to open up to schools and other groups who want to visit the chickens and learn about Ybor City’s mascots. YMM says Middleton High School’s Future Farmers of America chapter will be among the first crews to stop by and lend a hand when the property is ready.

“All that and lots more… in time. We feel so much gratitude! ‘Thank you’ will never be enough, but until we recharge, it’s all we have left to give after finishing this first leg of our still young journey,” YMM wrote. “To all of our donors, monthly Patrons, followers, and supporters—thank you.”

LOCAL NEWS

THEYBORMISFITS/FACEBOOK

ICU: YMM’s new digs let Ybor’s neediest chickens have more room to rehab and get the care they need.

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cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 17

Greetings from hell

Part two of the 21 most important news stories of the year.

By Jeffrey C. Bilman

8. The heat dome In late June and early July, an extreme heatwave baked the Pacific Northwest, setting record temperatures in Portland (116° F), Salem (117°), Seattle (108°), Spokane (109°), and Canada (121°).

More than 1,000 people died. This wasn’t the only extraordinary weather event this year. There were wildfires in California and an ice storm in Texas. Just last week, tornadoes ravaged the Midwest, killing at least 88. The heat dome wouldn’t have been possible without climate change, scientists say. While it’s harder to link other specific disasters to carbon pollution, we know that the hotter the planet gets, the more often they’ll occur. Since climate policy is now dictated by a coal millionaire, we should probably prepare for the “Mad Max” future.

failing to bring the pandemic to heel as promised—never mind that they were fighting mask and vaccine mandates—and economic growth slowed to a trickle.

11. Inflation The short version of the very complicated inflation story: During the pandemic, consumers began buying a lot of stuff online. Retailers couldn’t find enough delivery drivers, so they paid more generous salaries and passed those costs along to consumers. They also stored more containers before delivery and passed along those costs, too. Meanwhile, increasing sales volume combined with worker shortages to create logjams at ports and transportation hubs, slowing deliveries and forcing retailers to carry excess inventory, which, again, raised prices.

So inflation is linked to a global supply chain crisis, which is linked to labor shortages. Labor shortages are likewise a multifaceted issue, but in the United States, there seem to be three primary culprits: a declining birth rate, immigration restrictions, and most importantly, millions of Americans who voluntarily left the workforce or took early retirement during the pandemic. None of this has a quick fix, which means no matter how well the Dow performs or how much GDP grows, inflation will be a thorn in Biden’s side for at least another year.

GAGE SKIDMORE

L

ast week, we began our rundown of 2021’s most important political stories with the Big Lie and wound our way through President Biden’s legislative accomplishments (and lack thereof). In Part 2, we’ll start with Biden’s summer from hell.

INFORMED DISSENT

9. The Afghanistan debacle The collapse of Kabul had many fathers. But in the first draft of history, the blame fell squarely on Joe Biden, whose White House grossly overestimated the Afghan army’s strength. For more than a week in August, scenes of chaos filled TV screens as the U.S. troops scrambled to withdraw troops and rescue allies and desperate Afghans tried to find a way out. An Islamic State suicide bomber killed 13 American soldiers and dozens of civilians outside the Kabul airport. The U.S. retaliated by drone-striking civilians.

Republicans who’d backed Donald Trump’s agreement to release thousands of Taliban prisoners and withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan accused Biden of “abandon[ing] the global stage,” suggested he be removed via the 25th Amendment, and in Trump’s case, said he should “resign in disgrace.” Biden’s popularity took a hit. Before Kabul collapsed in mid-August, Biden polled above 50%. He’s been underwater ever since.

10. The Delta variant The Delta variant was perhaps the main reason Biden failed to regain his political footing. The deadly wave of COVID-19 cases plowed through largely unvaccinated communities this summer, devastating red states—and counties—that rejected vaccines and abandoned or fought basic precautions. Republicans slammed Biden for

12. Critical race theory In the same way “cancel culture” became a universal response for any right-wing goober who faced consequences for saying or doing something gross or racist, “critical race theory” leaped from legal academia into a catch-all term for anything certain white people found discomforting.

In several states, Republican politicians raced to ban the teaching of “concepts” associated with critical race theory in classrooms. Parents’ groups tried to prohibit such apparently problematic books as “Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story.” Wisconsin lawmakers sought to prohibit schools from using the words “colonization,” “multiculturalism,” and “patriarchy.”

Because grievance never rests, the culture warriors have set their sights on school libraries that dare to carry books on race and gender.

(The next-generation book burners recently claimed a victory in North Carolina, where the public library system in the state’s largest county removed the book Gender Queer from its shelves.) After that, there will be something else. Outrage is useful, and there will always be some new threat to rile up the base.

18 | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | cltampa.com

TREAD ON ME, DADDY: Few politicians have ginned up and exploited rage with as much aplomb as DeSantis.

13. Ron DeSantis and authoritarianism as freedom Few politicians have ginned up and exploited rage with as much aplomb as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, an enthusiastic would-be authoritarian who not only refused to impose COVID restrictions during the height of the Delta wave this summer but blocked local governments from doing so, banned private companies from requiring vaccines, and threatened to cut off school funding if districts mandated masks.

At least 63,000 Floridians have died so DeSantis can boast about his state’s “freedom.”

He also barred transgender athletes from school sports, restricted absentee voting, cracked down on public protests, and required universities to collect databases of students’ and faculty members’ political views.

Most recently, he proposed creating his own paramilitary force and announced legislation to

allow people to sue schools or businesses whose diversity policies create a “hostile” environment—a payday for racists, if you will. DeSantis is, of course, considered a top-tier candidate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination should he win reelection in November.

14. Alden buys Tribune Vulture capital firm Alden Global acquired Tribune Publishing in May, bringing its slashand-burn profiteering to the Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, Orlando Sentinel, and other journalism institutions across the country. Whatever bare minimum those papers have scraped by on, it’s going to look like the glory days soon. Gutting to their core has real-life effects on the communities they serve.

The public is less informed and participates less in local government. Wrongs go undiscovered.

Corruption flourishes. Democracy suffers.

“At least 63,000 Floridians have died so DeSantis can boast about his state’s ‘freedom.’”

Shit Happened TUESDAY 21

A federal judge heard arguments in a more than five-year legal battle over whether the Florida High School Athletic Association violated a Cambridge Christian School of Tampa’s free-speech rights by preventing a prayer from being read over a loudspeaker before a football game at Camping World Stadium. As long as it wasn’t CRT, right?

THURSDAY 23

Perhaps driven by the new Omicron variant, the Sunshine State saw its recent COVID-19 caseload more than triple in the past week, just as winter officially arrives—and in time to put a pall on Christmas. Enjoy your New Year’s Eve out though!

Locals already knew this, but U.S. Census Bureau data says Florida trailed only Texas in population increases from 2020 to 2021, while the nation had the slowest growth rate in its history. Florida grew by 211,196 residents, but we really have no clue where they’re all going to live.

Defense attorneys, prosecutors and mental-health advocacy groups criticize Florida Supreme Court plans for a Feb. 10 hearing on a proposal that would allow Death Row inmates to represent themselves in certain court proceedings. Still haven’t heard from the pro-life right-wingers though.

SUNDAY 26

Learn traditional printmaking Workshops in - Etching - Lithography - Letterpress - Silkscreen and more.

Our gallery space has local and handmade gifts Drop by during normal hours Tuesday thru Friday 11-4 Saturday 11-6 • Sunday 12-4

Tickle me Elmo is saddened to hear that in Tampa Bay and across the country, the hottest Christmas gift of 2021 are COVID rapid tests.

Shit, but in the new year, via cltampa.com/ news.

New session starting the week of Jan 10th!

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CRAFT COCKTAILS (

SMALL PLATES (

@ CA R ACA R A N E ST

FRENCH VIBES

BEST CHEF READER'S PICK

“The bread is homemade, the goulash perfectly spiced, and the lamb chops grilled to perfection.”

RESTAURANTS

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DINING GUIDES

In these times

Tampa Bay’s 50 best restaurants of 2021.

By CL staff and contributors

I

n spite of the last two years taking so many beloved restaurants away, some local chefs and restaurateurs have found ways to not only survive, but thrive over the last 12 months. Sure, a lot of us still aren’t going out—with many more doing so cautiously, mask in hand—but the last year was a time to reconnect with old favorites and find new ones, too. Creative Loafing Tampa Bay staff and contributors joined you in doing our best to support the local food and drink scene, and while these are such “unprecedented times” (aren’t you so sick of hearing that phrase an unprecedented number of times??), what follows is a rundown of our favorite food experiences of the last year, be they classic spots, brand new digs, coat-and-tie kinda joints or straight up holes in the wall. Here’s to an even better 2022, keep on tipping like your money is on fire, people.—Ray Roa

BODEGA, BABY: Davis Islands landed one of Tampa Bay’s best new restaurants of 2021.

Anchor Bar) plus some solid Italian (Oggi, and it’s even more impressive neighborhood market and wood fired pizza kitchen), but Yarinel Ramos and Robert Sickler have turned it up at their concept which serves a whole lot of natty wine alongside the flavors of New Orleans, Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean. It’s hard to go wrong, but the po’boys, garlic shrimp, brabant potatoes and simple red beans and rice

version. Maybe it’s the finely shaved meat, or extra crispy outer shell of the classic bread, but I’ve walked down Franklin Street with one in my hand at least two dozen times this year. Throw in the new Thai tea and perennially homey vibes at the now 14-year-old downtown staple, and you’ve got a restaurant worth working into your own rotation next year. 1540 N Franklin St., Tampa. 813-2215150. cafehey.com—RR Chanta You’ve probably driven by this old European cafe a million times on your way to a much trendier spot like Oxford Exchange or Fly Bar, and never noticed the casual way it goes about its business.

But Chanta has an old world charm that only family run restaurants can seem to perfect, right down to the high backed, wooden chairs and at home dining room feel. This Romanian family, complete with grandmother cooking in the kitchen, and daughters serving and hosting tables, is everything you want in a warm, cozy, old world food hug. The bread is homemade, the goulash perfectly spiced, and the lamb chops grilled to perfection. A small but mighty Italian wine selection helps round out a great little place to share a meal with friends or family.

113 S Hyde Park Ave., Tampa. 813-605-4011. chantarestaurant.com—Daniel Guess Chile Verde Opened out of a gutted gas station in 2018, Chile Verde now has two busy locations dishing out some of the best Mexican food in St. Pete. You literally could not miss this restaurant even if you tried—its gigantic green and red lettering and large plastic horses out front definitely catch the eye. Pre-pandemic, Chile Verde was also a small grocer, but now focuses solely on its hot menu of tamales, flautas, burritos and other typical Mexican fare, as tables now fill the aisles dry goods once occupied. There are a lot of taco choices, too, from beef tongue to al pastor to chicken, and make sure to mention whether or not you you want the food Mexican-style (with onion and cilantro) or American-style (with lettuce, tomato, cheese and sour cream.) 2801 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg.

727-800-2679—Kyla Fields Chopstick Express Chopstick’s menu is stacked with straightforward Chinese and a rotating slate of specialty sushi rolls, including the St. Petersburg roll with shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado and spicy krab meat.

No surprises here either—lo mein, fried rice, krab rangoons, egg drop soup and chop suey are all dished out. The most charming thing continued on page 25

DINING GUIDE

ERIN BENIK OF EMAGINE PHOTOGRAPHY

7th+Grove Haters (you know who you are) say the place is too lively on weekends, but that’s a lie. Not only is 7th+Grove now a staple of the Ybor City historic district, but it’s also home to a rocksteady menu of Southern favorites all dished up by an ace team ready to guide you through brunch, taco Tuesday, late night, lunch and dinner. If you’ve never been, get baptised by the braised oxtails, then scream hallelujah, amen. 1930 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. 813-640-8422.

7thandgrove.com—RR Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que We hope COVID didn’t take your sense of smell because this is a time-tested Ybor City spot you can ID from down the street. Meats are obviously the star here (we suggest smoked sausage, ribs or the pulled pork), but don’t skip out on sides, especially the creamy coleslaw, spicy collards and the only-available-on-Friday mac-and-cheese. If you’re a fiend for a bang-bang, scoot on over to Big Al’s soul food spot located just a few blocks away (2302 E 7th Ave.) 1609 Angel Olivia Sr. St., Ybor City.

813-956-0675. alsybor.com—RR Anju Korean food has always been a favorite, but it really feels like the cuisine had a moment locally in 2021, and the main reason was a big, crunchy embrace of a new kind of KFC—Korean fried chicken—that Anju really does better than anyone else. With roots in a

12-foot food trailer, Mee Ae Wolney now runs her restaurant out of a beautiful brick building on 16th Street where slings sweet, salty and spicy K-pops and a drunk person’s dream: tots loaded with bulgogi and kimchi, plus cheese and scallions, crushed peanut and St. Pete heat sauce.

2827 16th St., N, St. Petersburg. 727-289-8568. anju-st-pete.square.site—RR Bayou Bodega Tampa’s Davis Islands is home to a lot of old reliables (Thai Island, Margarita’s Mexican Food, Islands Pizza,

will guarantee a return trip. 241 E Davis Blvd., Tampa. 813-513-5478. bayoubodega.com—RR Brgr Kitchen & Bar I recently found myself on Gulf Boulevard and decided to drop in at Brgr (stylized “BRGR”) to see if it still had the great burgers that put it on my 2019 Top 50 list. If you missed that or my 2016 review, you may not even know that BRGR exits. It keeps a low profile, mostly serving Treasure Island Beach Resort guests. But every time I visit, I’m wowed.

The “spuds and rings” are terrific. Choose from skin-on truffle or cinnamon-dusted sweet potato fries. My favorite is the super thick cut Samuel Adams beef-battered onion rings. And “The Nooner” remains as good as any burger

that I can recall. 10800 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. 727-322-7040, brgrkitchenandbar. com—Jon Palmer Claridge Cafe Hey Make no mistake, when it comes to Cuban sandwiches, West Tampa Sandwich Shop’s Obama Cuban and even more working class offerings at Palm Avenue Sandwich Shop and Florida Bakery are some Tampa’s best, but it’s hard to kick a craving for the Cafe Hey

cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 23

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large menu is a little overwhelming, the friendly staff is always willing to point you in the right direction. 5600 66th St. N, St. Petersburg. 727914-4550. @dooribanstpete on Facebook—KF Farmacy Tucked within all three Tampa locations of Duckweed Urban Grocery, this vegan kitchen and bakery has great graband-go options and hot food, but nothing can satisfy a craving for hearty, spicy and creamy comfort food like the jerk pasta salad in a creamy dressing, served cold and in a plastic tub that’s perfect for a lunch at your stand-up desk or in front of the TV after a long day at the office. farmacyvegankitchen.com—RR Filipiniana Philippine Café Filipino food rarely hits my belly if it’s not coming out of a home kitchen run by my mom or a tita, but

in Tampa Bay. The restaurant itself is a thrill to dine in whether or at the bar in the glow of the giant TV screen or under the soft light on the back patio where all kinds of crispy chicken (gluten-free, too; bone in, boneless, sandwich) lives in harmony with a killer cocktail menu plus other highlights like the bulgogi cheesesteak and japchae (get it with the egg). Banchan can get expensive here, so just get the kimchi fried rice which includes sides. 6618 N Nebraska Ave. Tampa. 813-7234264. eatgangchu.com—RR Golden Dinosaurs If you love animals but also crave pastrami, chili dogs, bacon, po’ boys, and even a good Philly, then you’ll want to make the drive to Gulfport where all kinds of humane greatness is being served out of a

DINING GUIDE

GOLDENDINOS/FACEBOOK

about this Chinese spot isn’t that its building closely resembles the Checkers that previously operated in the space (drive thru and all), but the fact that the same large birds are always chilling out front, like Florida’s version of bodega cats. If you eat outside at the picnic tables be careful, because sometimes the birds get a little too comfortable. Chopstick Express is always available on third party delivery apps like Uber Eats and Grubhub if you’re not in the mood to fight the cranes.

3946 4th St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-526-8999. chopstickfl.com—KF Columbia Restaurant My first time ever going to the Ybor City staple was this year (shocker). From the time I stepped in, it was obvious why the restaurant has lasted for over a century. Guests feel like they’re in old Tampa when the mobsters were like kings and cigar factories were on every corner. The 1905 salad is such a simple dish but packs a lot of flavor from the dressing down to the fresh veggies.

The cannelloni de langosta (lobster and shrimp pasta in a sherry cream reduction, smothered with a lobster sherry Mornay cheese sauce) is a phenomenal dish I’d order over and over. The real star, however, is the white chocolate bread pudding, made with bread from another Tampa OG La Segunda. If “died and went to heaven” was a dessert, it would be this. 2117 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. 813-248-4961. columbiarestaurant. com—Alexandria Jones Counter Culture Last year, Jeannie Pierola, opened one of the most exciting new restaurants in town. Unfortunately, COVID soon pulled the rug out from under the economy; 21 months later, Counter Culture is still providing stunning food—don’t miss the tuna tartare appetizer; it’s simply perfection. A thin yellowfin tuna sliver is wrapped around minced toro tartare to create a disc. Toro (“to melt”) is the fatty part of the fish from the tuna’s belly and melt it does—filling your palate with unalloyed joy. Luckily, the elevated kitchen bar dining, open air mixologist bar, and the Florida patio with Bay views leaves room for social distance ‘til Omicron is in the rearview. 2909 W Bay to Bay No. 100, Tampa.

813-570-8599. cc-tampa.com—JPC Dooriban Walking up to this family-owned Korean restaurant, you can usually smell the food before even opening the door. From traditional Korean entrees like bibimbap and kimchi soup to street food classics like the Instagrammable cheesy corn dog and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Dooriban fulfills all spicy and savory needs. It’s affordable lunchtime specials are served from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and range from deep fried pork cutlets to beef bulgogi, all served with rice, dumplings and four traditional Korean side dishes (aka banchan). Dooriban is one of the only traditional Korean restaurants in St. Petersburg, and if its

FAUX SURE: You won't miss meat after trying Golden Dinosaurs. for some reason I went to Filipiniana quite a bit. Maybe it’s because making longanisa or tocino (sweet pork sausages, medallions, respectively) is a pain the ass. More likely, it’s because Filipiniana feels like home, especially when it comes to the made-to-order “silog” plates where the breakfast pork gets served with a fried egg and garlic fried rice, all steaming hot. Bonus points since it’s right next to Saigon Deli.

3848 W Waters Ave., Tampa. 813-885-6300. @filipiniana.philippinecafe on Facebook—RR Gangchu St. Pete’s Anju gets high marks for its KFC (Korean fried chicken), but Gangchu is the best all-around new K-chicken and beer spot

tiny window on Beach Boulevard. Seitan (wheat gluten) and tempeh (soybean) can satisfy your meat cravings (ever had a Chick-Fil-Nay sandwich?), but the real stars are specials like seitan bacon wrapped stuffed jalapeños and a variety of vegan spins on Tex-Mex. 2930 Beach Blvd.

S, Gulfport. 727-8736901; goldendinosaurs. com—RR Gulf Coast Sourdough Since moving to its new location in Seminole Heights, Gulf Coast continues to serve its the Best of the Bay-winning breads, sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, and, of course, “Flybys” (a little stuffed sandwich-calzone-type-of-goodness). The new space is easy to find, too, since

“The large birds always chilling out front are Florida’s version of bodega cats.”

it shares a plaza with Revolution Ice Cream and Mekenita Cantina. You can smell the fresh bread a block away when you’re driving down Florida. 6703 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-3041294, gulfcoastsourdough.com—Colin Wolf Haven One of the Bay area’s most satisfying, sophisticated, dining experiences still wrapped up in a regionally-appropriate casual bow. Executive chef Chad Johnson and Chef De Cuisine Martin deJesus are obsessed by their food sources and work to build startling layers of flavor so you’ll find dishes to make your head explode. A case in point is November’s “Whiskey Tampa Foxtrot” special Garrison Brothers bourbon dinner with a fine dining spin on Texas BBQ; it was the best meal of my dining year. Beyond events, Haven remains aspirational, with 300plus dark spirits in 1-oz. pours of almost any cult whisk(e)y you could dream about. It also has 40 premium wines by the glass, an impressive cave of 60 cheeses, plus a variety of charcuteries.

2208 W Morrison Ave., Tampa, 813-258-2233. haventampa.com—JPC King State Pull up to this restored and revamped service station during coffee rush hour and you’ll realize that the secret’s long been out: King State lives up to the hype and then some (in 2019 it was named Food & Wine’s best coffee shop in Florida, No. 8 in the U.S.).

Chef Carolyn Kowalski handed her team the recipes for a lethal breakfast sandwich and seasonal lunch/dinner menu all fortified by weekend pizza nights and regular guest popups then buoyed by Aric Parker’s out of this world beer, N/A coffee cocktails and house wine.

And yuh, the King roasts its own coffee, too.

520 E Floribraska Ave., Tampa. 813-221-2100. king-state.com—RR Kristina’s Cafe From Metro, Trip's, Kissin’ Cuzzins and even the “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives”-featured Munch’s Cafe, there’s lots of oldfashioned diners in the ‘Burg. But what makes Kristina’s a stand-out amongst its no-frills counterparts is late-night hours, massive portions and an old-timey feel. There are no surprises on the large menu—comfort breakfasts like biscuits and gravy and chicken fried steak are available all day, alongside a variety of sandwiches, salads, entrees and desserts. It’s the type of restaurant where your coffee is refilled before you even notice it getting low. Kristina Cafe’s pandemic hours are 7 a.m.-10 p.m., but hopefully its beloved 24-hour tradition will return soon.

3590 34th St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-526-6673. kristinascafestpete.com—KF Lemongrass Sushi Thai Tapas The perfect marriage of Thai and Japanese cuisine, Lemongrass has been holding down its downtown St. Pete location for years. Its fusion menu is separated by Thai and Japanese food, so it’s easy to sort out what’s what. Typical Thai offerings include different types of stir fry, curries and soups like tom kha gai and tom yum goong, while continued on page 27

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the Japanese portion contains various types of sushi, sashimi samplers, and teriyaki. Massive portions, unique sushi rolls and ample outdoor seating make this spot stand out among its Asian fusion counterparts in the area. Beware of Lemongrass’s midday closure though—doors shut for a few hours between lunch and dinner, so it’s best to call ahead before you visit. Lemongrass still offers COVID-friendly online ordering and efficient to-go transactions if you don’t plan on dining in. 310 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727894-1111 lemongrasstapas.com—KF Lingr Restaurant Lingr is from the “Old Norse” meaning both “belonging to” and “descending from.” Chef Jeffrey Jew and his team invite diners to belong—through great service, evocative space, and cuisine exhibiting the magic combo of balance and surprise as he honors the NorwegianChinese cultures from which he descends. The results are simply a revelation. Read our full review on p. 33. 400 6th St. S, St. Petersburg.

727-471-6120. lingrrestaurant.com—JPC Madison Avenue Pizza Neighborhood pizza joints are a dime a dozen, but Madison Avenue grabbed our attention this year not just for its classics and an outrageous challenge where two people get an hour to take down a 32-inch, 1-topping pizza, but for gnarly specials that make us want to eat two extra gummies every Friday night (pickle pizza, green bean casserole pizza, shrimp scampi pizza, prosciutto with arugula). 2660 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin. 727-7546144. madisonavepizza.com—RR Malio’s Prime Steakhouse Looking for a cute date night with bae or a happy hour situation to take the edge off after work? Located on the bottom floor of the Rivergate Tower, Malio’s is definitely a Tampa jewel. Order the 22-oz. prime delmonico and watch as the juices ooze while your waiter cuts it right down the middle. And don’t forget to order a side of the smoked gouda mac & cheese and asparagus, too. If you’re into cutesy cocktails, pair your meal with the lemon drop dirty Malio-tini. 400 N Ashley Dr., Tampa.

813-223-7746. maliosprime.com—AJ Mayra’s Tacos Tacos are a staple on this list, but restaurants are also about the people you’re surrounded by when you get there. Mayra Macario’s place doesn’t have a roof over the dining room, but the Michocán native provides the warmest Mexican food experience you can probably have in Tampa. Based out of East Tampa’s Cinco Soccer 5-A-Side complex, this stand thrives off no-frills affordable tacos (4 for $10) and tortas ($6) plus mixed fruit, maize con todo, burritos and more. You can buy a beer at the Cinco clubhouse with the change you find in your car seat cushion, and you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by some of the friendliest soccer-loving folks in Tampa Bay. 5305 Henry Ave., Tampa. @mayra_s20tacos on Instagram—RR

Mise En Place This staple fine dining establishment could be on the potential shortlist when Michelin stars start being doled out in Tampa next fall. The pressure is nothing new for Maryann Ferenc and Chef Marty Blitz who’ve been setting trends and welcoming discerning Bay area diners to their always evolving dining room for the last 35 years. 442 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-254-5373. miseonline.com—RR Oceanic The only grocery store on this list, and while it’s technically not a restaurant, Oceanic has been a go-to spot for local chefs since the early-’90s when the former ship supply store pivoted to become the grocery it is today.

It’s on the restaurant list due to its proximity to the CL office and the fact that you can walk over for lunch, spend about $10 and stroll out with a hearty meal be it roast or BBQ pork or duck. 1609 N Tampa St., Tampa. 813-228-8110. oceanicmarket.net—RR Olivia Chef Chris Ponte’s Clearwater flagship, Cafe Ponte, was a victim of the pandemic.

But 2022 holds the promise of a culinary phoenix rising in the form of Ponte Tampa at the $500 million dollar Midtown development just south of I-275 at Dale Mabry Highway. In the meantime, his superb cuisine wows diners at On Swann and this splendid refined Italian restaurant that delivers all the authentic flavors of a traditional trattoria with “the creative flair of a chef-inspired menu.” The menu changes seasonally, but a prime example is a delicate thick halibut fillet poached in EVOO, which sits in a sea of yellow tomato sugo (sauce) swimming with a school of blistered grape tomatoes. An island of verde fregula—tiny Sardinian couscous-like pasta—with diminutive green peas support the beached fillet which is topped with a quenelle of stewed peperonata and olives plus an enormous basil leaf blanketing the whole affair. The combination of colors, flavors and textures is exhilarating. 3601 W Swann Ave., Tampa. 813-328-8866. oliviatampa.com—JPC Queen of Sheba When it comes to Ethiopian food, there’s only one reigning queen in Tampa Bay. Since 2007, Queen of Sheba owner Seble Gizaw has served up a strictly traditional Ethiopian menu centered on FDA-approved spices shipped directly from her family in Keffa—a province on the southwestern side of Ethiopia. The 40-seat space pays homage to the original Queen of Sheba, who reigned in the kingdom of Sheba, located in southwestern Arabia, during Biblical times. There’s a selfserve fridge featuring Ethiopian lagers and wines, and if you’re unfamiliar with the cuisines, just close your eyes and go for the Queen’s Eight Platter, loaded with four beef and chicken platters, alongside four veggie choices. 1001 N 56th St., Temple Terrace, 813-872-6000, ethiopianrestauranttampa.com—CW Red Mesa Mercado Red Mesa’s Cantina concept, complete with courtyard and second

DINING GUIDE

MISEENPLACETAMPA/FACEBOOK

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RIGHTFUL PLACE: Mise En Place could be on the potential shortlist when Michelin stars start being doled out in Tampa. story bars stocked with fine tequila, is up to speed with rapidly gentrifying St. Petersburg, but its Mercado offerings are still legit with the proletariat. Even with rising food costs, the burritos, bowls and tacos are still priced respectably and ready to eat before, after and during the bar hopping that’s become a sport in downtown. 1100 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg. redmesamercado.com—RR The Restorative It’s hard to believe that it’s been four-and-a-half years since I lost my mind at this Dunedin-based unicorn. I’ve dined here at least a dozen times without ever having the same dish twice. It remains my pick for No. 1 in the region. The key to Erin “Cricket” and Jason Borajkiewicz’s ever-changing poetic menu is not about quantity, but rather freshness, balance and finesse. The carefully composed seasonal dishes are wondrous kaleidoscopes of color and texture that look too good to eat. The flavors explode on your palate in combinations that surprise or amaze. I ran out of superlatives long ago.

Ask for half-pours and sip both white, red, and bubbles to make the meal soar. The Restorative recently renovated, but the dining room is still tiny, so reservations are a must. 420 Patricia Ave., Dunedin. restorativerestaurant.com—JPC Rocca It’s no shock that this modern Italian mecca across from Armature Works makes every best of list. Delicious homemade pastas, an impressive wine list, good looking digs, and a freakin’ mozzarella cart to boot. But what I’m interested in is normally none of those things.

Belly up to the bar for whatever crudo iteration the crew is serving, order some bread, and have Sam Morris craft you a drink from one of the more ambitious cocktail menus in Tampa right now. Don’t get me wrong, the pasta is great and

all, but sampling through the starters lets you try a bit more of Chef Bryce Bonsack’s seasonal inspiration. It also provides the opportunity to taste whatever Morris is currently clarifying and carbonating, like under ripe strawberries or green apple juice. My favorite drink of the year just might have been a relatively simple play on an Italian stalwart, the Americano, with just a touch of olive brine to make it impossible to put down. 323 W Palm Ave., Tampa. 813-906-5445. roccatampa.com—DG Rooster & the Till Chef Ferrell Alvarez, Ty Rodriguez and Chon Nguyen deliver on every exciting combination that they have dreamt up for your pleasure. As each small plate arrives, first there’s a hush, then a moan, then an “oh, my” followed by an excited exchange of tablewide commentary as each dish disappears in a few shared bites that leave you wanting more. Previously reluctant diners step outside their comfort zones, compelled by their tablemates to stretch their palates. Rooster explodes all the benchmarks and upends any preconceived notions about what constitutes the highest level of fine dining across Tampa Bay. And the food, from a menu of plates designed to share, is, in a word, spectacular. Every dish delivers surprise, fresh farm-to-table ingredients, and an unfailing sense of balance so there’s nary a false note.

The multi-course tasting menu with matching wines is particularly seductive, so save up and celebrate. 6500 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-3748940; roosterandthetill.com—JPC Saigon Deli Get two Vietnamese coffees: One for the ride home with your food and the second for after you test the limits of your belly with the best, pound-for-pound Asian continued on page 29

“The restaurant itself is a thrill to dine in.”

cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 27

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28 | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | cltampa.com

SUPERNATURALFOODANDWINE/FACEBOOK

SUPER START: From breakfast to lunch, it’s hard to go wrong at Supernatural. continued from page 27 food value in Tampa Bay. The dining room is open, but takeout was the move in 2021 and let’s be honest: the vermicelli noodles, spring rolls, banh mi, and pho from this North Tampa legend are every bit as good out of a box or plastic bowl as they are in house. 3858 W Waters Ave., Tampa. 813-887-3888. @saigondeli on Facebook—RR Sa Ri One As evidenced by this list, Korean food is having a moment in Tampa Bay. Sa Ri One is the OG, holding it down right next to Interstate-275 on Cypress Street in a nondescript brown cottage where fried chicken, bulgogi, soon doo boo jjigae soup, and bim bap carry the day. If you’re on the opposite side of town, Sa Ri One’s new USF area deli is just about as good. 3940 W Cypress St., Tampa.

813-874-2911—RR Si-Am Thaimerican Arguably the best place to grab a plate of basil chicken before a screening at the Tampa Theatre (or a long

bender at The Hub), Si Am Thai has been an iconic downtown Tampa staple for years.

Chinda Chomburi and Stephen Dohack serve up classic Thai-American dishes, like panang curry and drunken noodles, and even deliver microwavable takeaway lunches to nearby Duckweed Urban Market. 713 N Franklin St., Tampa, 813-229-9710, si-am-thairestaurant. activemenus.com—CW Sid’s Caribbean Grill There’s a recent trend in St. Petersburg to replace small, holein-the-wall eateries in downtown with new, shiny restaurants. But one tiny Jamaican spot has been holding down Central for years.

With a large Jamaican flag in front of its brickand-mortar—the only visible thing from the street—Sid’s is known for its heavy styrofoam containers filled with oxtail, jerk chicken, plantains and steaming piles of rice. The menu is crossed off in multiple places and daily specials change, so it’s always safe to call ahead and see what’s available that day. Online reviews cite

semi-unreliable customer service and complaints that Sid’s doesn’t have a website, but for an 8-pound styrofoam container stuffed with piping hot oxtail—especially during a nationwide shortage—any inconvenience is worth it. 2623 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-321-4000—KF Supernatural Food & Wine The old Duckweed space on E Polk Street hasn’t offered many memorable concepts over the years, but something finally seems to have taken hold by playing delicious next door neighbor to everyone’s favorite dive, the Hub. And while a well-made sandwich never generates front page buzz, Supernatural takes nothing for granted, baking fresh sourdough loaves and seeded wheat breads in house, piling on delicious meats and cheeses, and serving it up right with a great soup du jour option. It’s hard to go wrong here from breakfast to lunch, but my favorite way to play hooky might just be a fresh cider sour donut and a bottle of natural wine, especially if it feels too late for a donut, and too early for wine. 305 E Polk St., Tampa. supernaturalfoodandwine.square.site—DG Tacos las Californias This taco standturned-storefront just celebrated its one-year anniversary, but its birria-packed menu has been impressing local foodies since summer 2020. From quesabirria tacos, quesadillas and even ramen—tender, slow-cooked beef and its savory broth counterpart consúme reign supreme on the TLC menu. Now the California-style Mexican restaurant has over 20,000 followers on Instagram and a newly-opened brick-and-mortar restaurant that dishes out aguas frescas, homemade ice cream and paletas, and fruit popsicles alongside its beloved quesabirria and California burritos. Drinking the consúme broth straight from the cup might be frowned upon, but it’s definitely worth it—and we’re not judging you. 7007 N Armenia Ave., Tampa.

813-384-0615. tacos-lascalifornias-llc.business. site—KF Te Invito Lingr is a highlight of this year’s best restaurants, but together with Korie LoVecchio, Jesus Bravo— one of Lingr’s cooks—is also the driving force behind Te Invito a taco concept that’s recently gone from its hero underground restaurant and delivery-only model to a food truck. Handmade corn tortillas, stuffed with quesabirria dripping in Oaxacan cheese and ready to be drenched in perfectly salty consomme, all balanced by bright white onion, cilantro and radish are the must-haves wherever Te Invito parks, but don’t miss out on the conchas and horchata either. @ te_invito_tampa on Instagram—RR Thinh An Tofu and Kitchen Whether you’re sitting down and eating, grabbing from

its extensive grab-and-go prepared foods, or ordering from the dessert counter, Thinh An’s massive menu and lightning fast service always impress. With low prices and high ratings, this north Tampa favorite is known for homemade tofu, which you can get in a banh mi, soup, spring rolls, over vermicelli noodles, or in fried rice. The Vietnamese restaurant, which has been open on Waters Avenue since 2016, also has a full dessert bar stacked with smoothies, boba, shaved ice desserts, waffles and other traditional Vietnamese desserts. There's also an entire section on its menu dedicated to vegetarian and vegan options, making it easier than ever for herbivores. 8104 W Waters Ave., Tampa. 813249-2222. thinhankitchentofu.com—KF Thuy Cafe Find Thuy nestled between Cho Long Oriental Store and popular Chinese restaurant Ha Long Bay. This small, no-frills Vietnamese cafe has a stacks of boba, banh mis, soups, dinner platters and bao buns (that usually sell out before the afternoon). Thuy Cafe shares an owner with Central Avenue’s La V, but focuses more on grab-and-go options and fast-casual service. Its drink menu is extensive as well, and ranges from Vietnamese iced coffee and different types of boba, to lychee green tea and fresh sugarcane juice. Make sure you check out the grab-and-go cooler next to the cash register, which is filled with anything from fresh seasonal fruit, small-batch kimchi, macarons and flan. 5944 34th St. N, St. Petersburg. 727521-6406. thuycafe.com—KF Two Graces It was just a matter of time before the shuttered Reading Room space on Central Avenue—with its raised beds to grow veggies and herbs—was snapped up by a local restaurateur. Now the new Two Graces sports a magical colonnade that flows west toward freeFall theatre. It’s got an elegant beadboard ceiling and is complete with fans and heaters, diaphanous drapery, and evocative lighting. To the south, under the magnificent, almost horizontal octopuslike Southern live oak is a dramatic seating area made from a handsome circular balustrade. Of course, what really matters is the food. Luckily, Chef Marlin (as in the fish, not the actor) Kaplan’s food is a riff on his marvelous Grace menu and promises surprise.

6001 Central Ave., St. Pete; 727-803-6050; @ twograces on Facebook—JPC Ulele Ulele holds a special place in my heart.

I got engaged outside this year, but also came to the realization that I love this place this year after my third visit in two months. The entire menu is fire—literally when it comes to the charbroiled oysters. Lauded everywhere continued on page 31

DINING GUIDE

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cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 29

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30 | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | cltampa.com

CHILD OF GOD: You probably need a reservation to get into St. Pete’s hottest new restaurant. continued from page 29 from smaller publications to big name, national magazines, the converted old pumphouse at Water Works Park is an experience that lets diners take a step back in time to pre-colonial Florida and experience native Floridian fare.

The views are something to marvel at, too, with the downtown Tampa skyline, Riverwalk, cute babies on the lawn and gorgeous sunsets over the Hillsborough River all visible from the patio and dining room. 1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa. 813-9994952. ulele.com—AJ Urban Stillhouse by Horse Soldier Even if you’re not captivated by the distiller’s art, Urban Stillhouse should still be on your radar. As you enter what I think is the best new restaurant of 2021, your eyes can’t help but be swept up by the grandeur as the windows soar impossibly high. There’s no stained glass here, but the sheer volume of the room is impressive.

The menu breaks free of the chains that might normally bind a restaurant worshiping dark spirits; it’s not built around every imaginable beef variation plus Caesar salad and onion soup vs. lobster bisque. Instead, Chef Kenny Tufo

offers selective, imaginative fare and lets the kitchen strut its stuff. The roasted beets with burrata make fore a masterclass in layering flavors and textures. 2232 5th Ave. S, St Petersburg.

727-440-8040. theurbanstillhouse.com—JPC Willa’s Willa’s is a neighborhood restaurant that loves its people. Chef Gabriel Lopez leads a scratch kitchen where everything is made fresh each day. The food menu offers a series of mix-and-match snacks plus well-conceived and executed starters. The whipped ricotta on sourdough toast is elevated by a magical alchemy of Florida honey plus roasted hazelnuts; the result is a taste treat where the whole transcends the sum of its parts.

Or turn to the rotisserie oven that’s “the soul of the kitchen” where Amish-raised free-range chickens are slow-roasted on the spit all day long. Pastry chef Lyndsey Sanford offers sweet delights from chocolate pot de créme to comforting peach blueberry cobbler. And if you're in a hurry, Willa's Provisions—with a different menut but the same level of care—next door is quick, ready and waiting. 1700 W Fig St., Tampa. 813519-4552. willastampa.com—JPC

DINING GUIDE

Wild Child The cocktail list at the hip St. Pete newbie is comfortable in both cosmopolitan settings and the Caribbean, and the menu doubles down thanks to the foundation laid by chef Rob Reinsmith whose jerk octopus took CL’s food critic to Spain this spring.

Since then, Wild Child’s put more amazing dishes on the table—grouper with passion fruit beurre blanc, goat cheese stuffed squash blossoms, a beet and burratta salad, butternut squash croquetas, to name a few—as the spot gains notoriety as one of the best in town.

2710 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. 727-9547425. @wildchild_stpete on Instagram—RR Yummy House Throughout the pandemic, Yummy House, specifically the Hillsborough Avenue location, continued to be a reliable, easy option for not only takeout but safe dine-in, too. And the quality—especially on the salt and pepper calamari, which stayed surprisingly crispy in transit—never wavered either. A pandemic MVP for sure. 2620 E Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. 813237-3838. yummyhouseflorida.com—RR

WILD CHILD RESTAURANT & COCKTAIL BAR/FACEBOOK

Zaytoon Grill Owned by the Khalels, a family with roots in Jerusalem, this Central Avenue gem boasts of a menu stacked with Middle Eastern favorites like falafel, baba ganoush and shawarma. There are tons of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, but also enough meat offerings to tickle a carnivore’s palette, like a mixed grill platter stacked with beef, chicken and lamb kabobs. And if you’re not sure what to try from this downtown St. Pete staple, you can never go wrong with the Zaytoon sampler—a large, shareable platter of hummus, baba ganoush, falafel and foule, accompanied by warm pita bread and tahini sauce. And if you have a sweet tooth, make sure to grab some baklava to go. 1618 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-623-0983. zaytooncentral.com—KF Zydeco Brew Werks To this day, there’s no better muffaletta-cold beer combo in Tampa Bay. Have I attempted to eat the $26 full version by myself and failed? Yes. Did I regret it? Hell no, and I’d try again in a heartbeat. 1902 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. 813-252-4541. zydecobeer.com—RR

“The whipped ricotta on sourdough is magical alchemy.”

cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 31

32 | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | cltampa.com

Balance and power

Evocative new restaurant from Bravo and Food Network celebrity chef is a must-visit.

By Jon Palmer Claridge

RESTAURANT REVIEW

“The results are simply a revelation.”

LINGRRESTAURANT/FACEBOOK

F

usion produces explosive power. Take our Sun pretty that you almost don’t want to disturb the as the most obvious example. But we also composition with your folk. But it’s a magical celebrate fusion in music. Say, Miles Davis combo, like a jazz riff that you don’t see coming, Bitches Brew or Carlos Santana’s attempts to but that makes you sit up and lets your senses alter consciousness with Black Magic Woman. take notice. It’s a sublime beginning.

Food, on the other hand, often puts up cultural The dishes come out of the kitchen as they barriers. The rich sauces and fussiness of French are prepared, so they are piping hot and ready haute cuisine don’t crossover into the world of to seduce your palate. Take, for instance, the Italian dishes, which seduce with simplicity luscious combo of earthy smoked lion’s mane from the finest, fresh ingredients. Distinct flavor and trumpet mushrooms with brunost (caramelprofiles instantly brand gastronomic favorites. ized Norwegian goat cheese), hawthorn cream When you go to Taco and sea buckthorn Bell, or even upscale (Chinese fruit adding tart grace notes), plus Mexican like Red Mesa, you just know some heat from chili oil. It’s all mounded there won’t be a foie on homemade Sami gras quesadilla.

Lingr Humans seem to bread, a slightly puffy ★★★★½ seek out the familiar, 400 6th St. S, St. Petersburg. Shareables $5-$17; mains flatbread inspired by or at least expect there the indigenous people $16-$60; dessert $9; beer, wine, cocktails $8-$16 727-471-6120. lingrrestaurant.com to be distinct categofrom northernmost Scandinavia with ries for what we eat.

Otherwise, there wouldn’t be a proliferation of hints of anise from nigella seeds, aka black fast food with McDonalds and KFC as global cumin. Oblique cut scallions and micro greens icons. There’s also comfort in the brands of cereal make for a handsome garnish. or candy or ice cream that define our individual Next, a quintet of tender dumplings is tastes. It takes a leap of faith for many palates to stuffed with soft, creamy smoked potato and jump into the unknown. Americans have come asparagus flavored with dill and fennel pollen. a long way from my boomer youth when cheese They resemble a pinwheel in a bowl fragrant was Velveeta, bread was only a fluffy Wonder, with soy broth hinting of cardamom and chili and sushi was simply “the undiscovered country oil. The stock is jam-packed with sesame seeds from whose bourn no traveler returns.” (Hamlet, and the dumplings support a few sprigs of Act 3, scene 1). watercress.

But Chef Jeffrey Jew takes diners to Finally, four salt and pepper fish cakes Hamlet’s Scandinavia as though we were rid- reflect a mashup of cultures. The fat, spiced ing on a Chinese junk. His menu reflects his golf balls of Faroe Island salmon are scrumpNorwegian-Cantonese roots. And to transform tious on their own, but the thick sweet-and-sour Duke Ellington’s pithy observation about music mustard sauce kicks it all up a notch. It drips to the world of food, “If it tastes good, it is good.” down the sides and glistens like molten lava.

Jew want us to linger at Lingr. We choose to It’s Norwegian Idun mustard colliding with soy eat tapas style and eschew the entrees. to great effect.

First, of course, we eat with our eyes and Also, sommelier and general manager, Zach the hamachi crudo plate is stunning. A quar- Groseclose, has assembled a superb selection tet of thin half moons of of libations, from an elelush yellowtail (hamamental quintet of five chi) are placed with spice inspired cocktails to the flat sides of the fila mouth-watering selection of white wines with let on parallel diagonal planes—as though the fish are swimming in the perfect crisp acidity to match the cuisine. a school. They’re floating in jagged circular When given the dessert choice between kladpools of citrus buttermilk glistening with dots dkaka and ebelskivers, we hardly know what to of translucent green dill oil. Each piece is gar- say. And I’m willing to bet your response would nished with a golden chip of crisp lotus root. be similar to mine. Eh? Uh, could you please Plus, there’s a touch of Szechuan pepper, some speak slowly into my ear trumpet . . . WTF . shreds of orange, flakes of sea salt and over- . . Oh, you’re speaking Swedish and Danish, arching wisps of fine cranberry powder. It’s so respectively. The first is a brownie-like cake and

YOU GOT ME WRAPPED AROUND YOUR FINGER: Tempted to eat this lush yellowtail with my hands. the second are donut-esque pancakes. There’s also a spiced parsnip (a la carrot) cake with sweet mandarin cream.

We opt for chocolate. The broken kladdkaka pieces dusted with powdered sugar are surrounded by dots of wild berry compote and a generous sprinkling of toasted pistachios. It’s scrumptious and we do our best to soak up all the delicious fruit. When we’re done, the plate looks like a Chinese watercolor, with overlapping strokes of transparent glistening red berry

wash and dark chocolate crumbs scattered about the plate.

Lingr, BTW comes from the “Old Norse” meaning both “belonging to” and “descending from.”

Chef Jew and his team invite us to belong— through great service and an evocative space (both inside and out) while providing cuisine exhibiting the magic combo of balance and surprise as he honors the cultures from which he descends. The results are simply a revelation.

cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 33

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Closing bell

St. Pete’s Ringside Cafe is moving in February.

By Kyla Fields from CL, but have yet to confirm or deny that he’s involved with any new music venue or bar in downtown St. Pete.

“I’m not sure if he’s the only player, or if there’s others,” Mitch says about the popular country music singer.

Mitch told CL that by the time Ringside’s doors close in late January, there will hopefully be a new location lined up. “We already have the formula for success, it’s just a matter of finding a new spot,” Wood added.

Most of the Ringside staff will hopefully follow the venue to its new, undetermined location elsewhere in St. Petersburg. Wood points out that technically she and the other Ringside staff are employees of Knight Enterprises, so they

CLOSING

formerly housed Club Detroit. Longtime patrons of the venue can only hope that 2022’s transition will be as smooth as it was almost 10 years ago.

Both Wood and Gray worked at the original 4th Street location for decades before moving to its current location, and they’ll continue to follow wherever the business heads to next, with faithful Ringside patrons in tow.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, Ringside Cafe is one of the many live music venues in St. Petersburg that has announced its closure and/or relocation over the past year—and surviving multiple COVID lockdowns and restrictions hasn’t been easy.

In their conversation with CL, Wood and Gray joked about teaming up with John Kelly, owner of the soon-to-close Hideaway to find a new venue together. Tampa Bay music-lovers can dream.

“At our eight year anniversary party a few weeks ago, the new owners were in there with tape measures—it was so awkward.”

KYLA FIELDS

I

f you’ve ever drunkenly stumbled through downtown St. Petersburg on First Friday or bar-hopped after a concert at Jannus Live, chances are you’ve boogied inside Ringside Cafe.

But its days serving stiff drinks out of 16 2nd St. N will soon be a thing of the past, as the popular bar and venue hosts the last show at its current location on Jan. 29.

Last month, Ringside’s staff found out that the lease was not eligible to be renewed, and that another business would soon open out of its current space. “We are doing our best to find another home for Ringside, if anyone has access to a suitable location, feel free to message us,” it wrote on Facebook.

Laura Wood, a veteran Ringside bartender, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay she had to do some digging to confirm that their lease wasn’t going to be renewed since that was not directly communicated to anyone on the Ringside staff, including its owner Greg Pugh. Wood officially found out that Ringside was being displaced the day before Thanksgiving, and mentioned seeing men come out of limos to scout Ringside before word became official.

For nearly nine years, Ringside has leased from Jeff Knight of Knight Enterprises—the company behind several businesses in downtown St. Pete, including Jannus Live, Pelican Pub, MacDinton’s Irish Pub and Detroit Liquors. Ringside also uses the Knight Enterprises’ liquor license, as do Knight’s other businesses on that block.

Wood said that Jeff Knight has shown the new owners around the space.

“At our eight year anniversary party a few weeks ago, the new owners were in there with tape measures—it was so awkward,” she said with a laugh. Eventually, her and other staff members started to see surveyors take interest in the property, and shortly after that it was clear that Ringside would soon have to leave.

“From what we hear, there’s supposed to be a ‘70s-style disco where Ringside is,” Mitch Gray, the longtime manager of Ringside, told CL. “Then, apparently the same group is also taking over St. Pete’s MacDinton’s location, and that’s supposedly going to become a Western bar—so we hear.”

None of the rumors can be confirmed, but the juiciest one involved Florida-born pop-country singer Chase Rice, one of the names locals have been floating when it comes to the soon-to-come business at 16 2nd St. N. Rice is best known for co-writing the smash hit “Cruise” and this year’s chart-topping single “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.”—both performed by Florida Georgia Line. Reps for Rice have responded to an inquiry

have the opportunity to be employed at one of his other businesses, whether it’s at Ringside’s big brother Jannus, or another one of his many enterprises.

Gray drew similarities between Ringside’s current search for a new home, and when it was pushed out of its previous location on 4th Ave. N back in 2013.

“It was the same sort of thing at our last location,” he said. “We heard rumors that Trader Joes was coming in, but we didn’t know anything until the residential neighbors received notices about the new parking lot and we started seeing survey flags everywhere.”

For over two decades, Ringside operated out of its location at 2742 4th St. N (what is now the St. Pete’s only Trader Joe’s) before moving to its current downtown St. Pete space—which

FIGHTING SPIRIT: Ringside ownership and staff are looking for a new home.

cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 35

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Winds of change

Where to celebrate NYE in Tampa Bay.

By Alexandria Jones

I

s your resolution just YOLO? Bring your face mask and head out on New Year’s Eve. Here are just a few dinners and happenings going down on Friday. See the full listing at cltampa. com and check with each establishment to get its Omicron plan. All events on Dec. 31 unless noted.

7th and Grove Pre-fixe wine pairing dinner with limited seating featuring McBride Sister’s Black Girl Magic wine followed by the “Enchanted Grove” event where guests are encouraged to wear black; pixie dusted cocktails, bar bites are on the menu. 4 p.m.-3 a.m. $40-77.

1930 7th Ave., Tampa, 813-6498422. @7thandgrove on Facebook American Social Views of Tampa’s largest fireworks display, hors d’oeuvres, and open bar. Nurse the hangover the next morning with sweet mimosa specials and brunch faves like the wide awake steak & eggs. 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Jan. 1 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. 601 S Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa, 813-605-3333. @americansocialtampa on Facebook Armature Works Family-friendly live entertainment, a countdown to noon, plus daytime fireworks and activities. Assorted VIP upgrades include sparkling apple juice, candy bar, and private bar for parents. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Free-$60. 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa, 813-250-3735. armatureworks.com Don CeSar Gatsby-inspired lobby bar with champagne, dancing, and live music. Bottle service packages and GA tix available. Valet is $40/ vehicle. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $50-2,250. 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-360-1881. eventbrite.com Garrison Tavern Keep NYE casual with appetizers, handheld items, and more. 11 a.m.11 p.m. 505 Water St., Tampa, 813-204-6390. garrisontavern.com

HEW Parlor & Chophouse Four-course prix fixe dinner with airline chicken, tomahawk ribeye, and assorted desserts. Reservations recommended. 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. $65-125. 453 Edgewater Dr., Dunedin, 727-608-6620. fenwayhotel.com Karol Hotel Ring in the new year with prix fixe dinners at Vantage Rooftop Bar and K Club Bar & Bistro. Reservations recommended. 5 p.m.midnight. $69-225. 2675 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater, 727-273-7850. thekarolhotel.com Meat Market A 007-themed party. James Bond attire is encouraged. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $300$5,000 for tickets. 1606 W Snow Ave., Tampa, 813-280-1113. meatmarket.net Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino A slew of holiday-themed menus lasting until Jan.9. $21-125. Various hours. 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa, 866-388-4263. seminolehardrocktampa.com The Vault Revelers can look to their futures with tarot readings, a burlesque performance, and enjoy the culinary creations of CW’s Gin Joint. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Advanced tickets $100, $125 at the door. 611 N Franklin St., Tampa, 813-2253450. thevaulttampa.com TradeWinds Island Resort Look no further than the resort’s “Toast by the Coast’’ event. Partiers 21+ are encouraged to wear their best for an evening of festivities, food, and fun. Children 4-12 can have fun at a party hosted for them with games and more. Guests can reserve a night at Island Grand or RumFish Resorts for $405/night with a two-night stay minimum required. 8 a.m.-1 a.m. Children 4-12 $30-60, adults $200. 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 866-587-8538. justletgo.com

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MUSIC WEEK REVIEWS

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MUSIC WEEK

Get ‘em tiger

18 New Year’s concerts and live music events happening in Tampa Bay.

By Stephanie Powers

I

t’s that time of the year where you try to forget all the dumb shit you did over the last 12 months.

We all know how New Year’s Eve goes, and we’ve all been on the verge of puking at a brunch the next day. That’s never stopped us from going out though, and we’re willing to bet the Omicron isn’t scaring you either (sigh). If you’re headed out to celebrate New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day here are 16 live music options for that ass. Bring a mask for your money maker, OK? Visit cltampa.com/ music for links to more information.

JACK CYMBRYLA

New Year’s Eve (Friday, Dec. 31) Benny Benassi w/Taylorlace or Pauly D at WTR Tampa Bay’s EDM scene in Tampa doesn’t sleep especially for one of the biggest nights of the year. On Dec. 31, Italian DJ Benny Benassi brings “Satisfaction” to The Ritz, with Taylorlace opening. (The Ritz, Ybor City) CeeLo Green w/DJ Laidback Luke Instagrammable downtown Tampa night club Eden is giving 2021 a big “Fuck You” with CeeLo Green performing on NYE. The Goodie Mob rapper and singer headlines the night with Dutch-Filipino DJ Laidback Luke providing the warm up. Hopefully, Green gets into some of his Grammy Award-winning Gnarls Barkley catalog. (Eden Night Club, Tampa) Donna the Buffalo It’s hard to imagine that Skipper’s Smokehouse almost closed permanently, because these days the beloved venue’s calendar is pretty active. This week it sees the return of this Skipper’s New Year’s Eve tradition. End the year with some normalcy care of New York’s Donna the Buffalo, a roots-rocking local favorite. (Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa) A Fantastical New Year: The Fantastical Tigers w/Psych Montano/Sir. Perf/DJ Jetfuel Tampa Height’s Shuffle celebrates a Fantastical New Year with a stacked lineup of local talent, a buffet, and a champagne toast. Husband and wife lo-fi electro-pop duo Fantastical Tigers brings its “music to relax to...or cry to...or both” which is pretty much how we all feel post-holiday. Sir. Perf and Psych Montano have the hip-hop covered. Gasparilla Music Festival VIP passes will be raffled off as well. (Shuffle, Tampa) Bryan J. Hughes w/Shannon Magrane and the Magrane Train If you like your parties a little swanky, Floridian Social’s soiree

might be for you. Besides the beautiful space— which used to be State Theatre, ICYMI—jazz vocalist Bryan J. Hughes and upscale cover band Shannon Magrane and the Magrane Train (playing ‘20s-era music) provide the musical entertainment. Aerial performance artists, burlesque dancers, and fire entertainers are also in the mix. (Floridian Social Club, St. Petersburg) Jefferson Starship For the first time in its history, Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall welcomes Jefferson Starship to the building for the band’s “Mother of the Sun” tour.

Be warned, David Freiberg is the only original member of the psychedelic rock band still tour-

Eugene Snowden opens. Mofro hasn’t released a proper LP since 2015’s Ol’ Glory, but the Grey’s brand of uniquely-Floridian rock and roll is revered in the Sunshine State not just for its humid, hot and heavy aesthetic but for its unending devotion to the preservation of the state’s wild lands which Grey has been watching disappear since the release of Mofro’s 2001 debut Blackwater. Have a ho cake for me, y’all. (Jannus Live, St. Petersburg) Kirk Adams w/Rebekah Pulley/John Kelly/Ed Woltil/more Friday marks the last New Year’s Eve at the current location of St. Petersburg listening room and songwriter haven Hideaway Cafe, and the venue is getting some of the area’s best performers together to celebrate before owner John Kelley really gets going on his search for a new home for the venue. Kelly had spent well over a year in COVID hell, trying everything he could dream up to generate enough revenue to pay his bills and feed his family. During the first few

MEOW: Fantastical Tigers lead the NYE festivies at Tampa Shuffle this year. ing, but you’ll still hear all the hits including “Jane” which got a new set of fans thanks to one of the GOAT movies “Wet Hot American Summer.” (Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota) JJ Grey and Mofro w/Eugene Snowden Now too popular to rock stages like Skipper’s, JJ Grey’s New Year’s Eve show in St. Petersburg is starting to feel like a tradition. The North Florida songwriter and swamp blues-soul favorite is back at Jannus where Orlando-based blues veteran

months of the pandemic, when the Hideaway and similar businesses were shut down, he barely registered any revenue at all. Not surprisingly, Kelly fell behind on rent, as many live-music clubs did.

He’d catch up, only to come up short again. It’s tough to make rent when your revenue is either nonexistent or a fraction of what it once was.

And yet: the Hideaway is still open, offering live music—singer-songwriters; blues, R&B and rock acts, and more—four to five nights a week.

The living room-style venue’s days are numbered,

but just how many are left is still an open question.

On the bill for New Year’s Eve are singer-songwriters Kirk Adams, Rebekah Pulley, Kelly himself, Ed Woltil and more. (Hideaway Cafe, St. Petersburg) Pauly D w/Camille Kostek On the causeway, Jersey Shore’s Pauly D hits the decks at waterfront venue WTR alongside model, actress, and Gronkowski’s girlfriend Camille Kostek hosting. Fireworks happen at midnight, and, if I had to guess, a Gronk sighting too. (WTR Pool and Grill at the Godfrey Hotel, Tampa) Rock and Soul: DJs Mes/Silence/TaeTro I’ve awoken on many a New Year’s Day smelling like smoke and already starting the year with a few regrets, but the morning after this year’s Rock and Soul party at The Hub will be different. Mainly because there’s no more smoking in the downtown dive bar. Bonus points to the Hub, too, since it built a cotdamn DJ booth onto the dance floor. You’re gonna have to telegram your requests in now, people. (The Hub, Tampa) New Year’s Day (Saturday, Jan. 1) Hangover Brunch: Nervous Turkey Nervous Turkey frontman Ernie Locke must be racking up some airline miles. He was just in town from Kansas City playing a couple Thanksgiving shows with the Best of the Bay-winning band.

Now, Locke and the delta-swamp blues outfit are back to help start your new year off right and cure all your hangover ailments at the Seminole Heights restaurant. Praise the lard.

(Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe, Tampa) Sickick w/DJ Drama If you’d rather wait until 2022 to celebrate in downtown Tampa, widely-mocked, but über-popular mashup TikTok star Sickick plays the downtown club with DJ Drama on Jan. (Eden Night Club, Tampa) Also playing New Year’s Punk Bash w/ Pig Pen/Atomic Treehouse/Arcane Arcade/The Sons of James/Love Songs for Junkies 7 p.m. $10.

Red Star Live, Tampa NYE Bash feat. Wave Theory w/ DJ Faz and friends 8 p.m. Free. Lowry Parcade, Tampa Riverfront Concert & Fireworks w/ Ed John/Oaklee/Dj Deacon 8 p.m. Armature Works, Tampa DJs Tom Gold/Sean/Jason Barco/Ivnx/ Veine 9:30 p.m. $20-$25. The Castle, Ybor City DJ Bishop D’Guruve 8 p.m. Free with complimentary champagne toast. Independent Bar and Cafe, Tampa Dead Set Florida 7 p.m. $10-$20. Cage Brewing, St. Petersburg

cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 39

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Grammy-nominated Austin, Texas psych rock band Black Pumas leads the initial 2022 lineup for Tampa’s Gasparilla Music Festival (GMF). Joining the group led by Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada is New Orleans rock band The Revivalists and 2014 GMF alum Trombone Shorty.

The three-day party goes down February 25-27 at Curtis Hixon Park and Kiley Garden.

More bands are set to be announced, but also announced in the initial lineup are Southern-rock favorite The Allman Betts Band, soul legend Mavis Staples, old-school hip-hop group Arrested Development,

New Edition’s tour with Jodeci and Charlie Wilson comes to Tampa this spring As Mr. Telephone Man to call your candy girl because New Edition is coming to Tampa next year with R&B giants Charlie Wilson and Jodeci in tow.

Tickets to see New Edition, Charlie Wilson and Jodeci play Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on April 7, 2022 are on sale now and start at $55.90.

The 30-city jaunt is dubbed “The Culture Tour” and is being put on in partnership with the 100%-Black-owned Black Promoters Collective. If you still haven’t cooled off after watching New Edition reunite onstage at last month’s American Music Awards, then get on up and make sure your feenin’ ass is at this one.

‘Weird Al’ Yankovic will bring intimate, deep cuts tour to Clearwater next fall Beloved parodist and accordion maestro “Weird Al” Yankovic is bringing his “Unfortunate Return Of The Ridiculously

complicated (read: controversial) emo band Pinegrove, The Aces and Andy Frasco & the U.N. Notable locals on the lineup include fast rising country singer Kenzie Wheeler, Wave Theory rapper K.III, space-rock outfit The Venus, GMF alum Sam E Hues and more.

GMF Executive Director David Cox told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that a daily lineup and second wave artists should be announced as the festival approaches next year. Early bird tickets for GMF are still available and start at $45. See the full initial lineup for Gasparilla Music Festival 2022 via cltampa.com/music.

Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour” to Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall on Saturday, Oct. 15. Tickets to see “Weird Al” Yankovic at Ruth Eckerd Hall this fall are on sale now and start at $43.25. Emo Philips—who released From Tampa to Eternity in 2002— opens the show.

Al is no stranger to Tampa Bay. Whether he’s opening for The Monkees’ reunion tour, or kicking off a U.S. tour with a full orchestra behind him, the 62-year old “Tacky” sensation always has new tricks up his sleeve.

This tour, however, will be a continuation of a costume-free, screenless, intimatestyle concert that only features his original songs—and the setlist is Springsteened every night, so no two shows will be the same.

If you can’t make it to Clearwater, Al and his four-piece band will also rock Pensacola, Melbourne, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, and Orange Park. Yeah, it’s a big tour.

Come back next week for a listing of Josh’s Bradley concert announcements, postponments and cancellations.—Ray Roa and Josh Bradley

cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 41

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Rest, queen

By Caroline DeBruhl

Dear Oracle, after two years of this pandemic, I am exhausted and burnt out across the board. My brain feels fried, and emotionally, I feel like a raw nerve. I feel like all I need is “rest,” but no matter how many hours of sleep I get, or the hours spent vegging out, I’m still tired. So how can I feel rested and rejuvenated in the new year?—Fried in Florida Cards: Queen of Cups reversed, Seven of Cups, First Quarter, The Emperor Dear Fried, as someone who recently found herself weeping at a Toyota commercial, I sympathize with feeling like a “raw nerve.” This little war is still raging, and I personally don’t know anyone who’s bopping through this pandemic completely unscathed. It’s a hard time, my dear, and I’m sorry that you’re struggling.

When I pulled your cards, I placed them as “what type of rest you need,” “how to get that rest,” “how to maintain,” and “what this rest will lead to.”

To start off, the type of rest you need is the Queen of Cups, and you’ve needed her for a long time. The Cups are a suit of emotions and relationships, and a reason you might be feeling drained is that you might be in a caretaking role for a lot of other people’s feelings. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith talks about seven types of rest you need, and she writes about emotional and

social rest as having the space to be your whole self without any people-pleasing.

If this rings true for you, see if there is a place where you feel like you can let loose. Do you have any friends you can be vulnerable with? Anyone that you can talk mad shit with? (Embrace your whole self!) That might help, especially if you feel like most of your relationships are one-sided.

If the above doesn’t ring true for you, the answer might be spiritual rest instead of social.

The Cups are also a suit of mystery, the unconscious, and The Divine. The Queen of Cups is at the threshold between worlds, holding a grail—in some decks, it’s literally The Holy Grail—and it wouldn’t be out there to see this as a sign to examine your spiritual beliefs.

If you are a spiritual person, what does your practice look like? For example, could you make time in the morning for prayer or practice? Could you see yourself doing something immersive like a silent retreat? Joining a meditation circle?

Becoming a nun?

Consider what you would like and become a bit rigorous with it. Because the over-sleeping and vegging out, while lovely, are not going to do it for you.

For “how to get that rest,” we have the Seven of Cups, which is an array of options, including ones that aren’t great for you.

In this case, I think you might need the option for “self-control” over “self-indulgence.”

While self-care seems to have become shorthand for bath bombs and sheet masks, it’s also about doing more challenging things, like taking care of your health and clawing your way out of a depressive episode. (Which this might be. If you can, consider checking in with a therapist or doctor about this.)

So be it spiritual or social, really consider what you need and set some boundaries around that. If it’s social, schedule in time where you don’t have to be anyone’s caretaker. If it’s spiritual, carve out time for your practice and do so daily.

Forgive the irony of this sentence, but in order to maintain your restful state, you need a plan of action. The First Quarter moon card is one of decision-making and taking on challenges. It’s pushing yourself for growth, and in this case, I think that means really examining what’s draining you and sticking to a plan to help heal that.

I know that is far easier to write than to do. We humans are, unfortunately, human, and sometimes we’ll go back to our old ways or fall out of our routine no matter how helpful or good it makes us feel. But try to be zen about it, accept your humanity, and start again.

At the end of the “active rest” journey, we end up with The Emperor. This is a card of action and leadership, of rising to the height of your own power. Keeping in your practice of either

ORACLE OF YBOR

social or spiritual rest and following that path you set will help you thrive. The Emperor is a character of self-control and authority; he’s diplomatic but not a people-pleaser.

If you’re on the social rest path, this is a call to be confident in your own authority. You don’t have to please everyone. You don’t have to be everyone’s dumping ground or sounding board. Instead, you can set those boundaries and know that those help you become your best self.

If you’re on the “spiritual rest” path, then consider what that would mean to be an authority in your faith. What does a spiritual vocation look like to you? Do you want to attend seminary? Do you want to make your faith a more central part of your life? Do you want to become a rabbi, a yoga teacher, or a nun?

Neither path has an easy answer, but I do hope that you are able to find some healing and some rest and allow yourself time to recuperate so that you may bloom.

For what it’s worth, The Cups are also the suit of water, and the Queen of Cups has her throne on a beach. So it might not hurt to take that image literally and spend some time around the water, be it the Gulf or a river or swimming hole. Of course, it won’t solve everything, but it might be a relaxing first step as you begin your journey.

Take care, my dear. May the next year bring you the rest you need.

Send your questions for the Oracle of Ybor to oracle@cltampa.com or DM @theyboracle on Instagram.

cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 43

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Committed

By Dan Savage

I’ve been in a committed relationship for 10 years—committed because my boyfriend wants it that way. I’d be fine with an open relationship and have asked about it. He’s made it quite clear that he thinks it’s “wrong.” I’m almost never at his apartment. He doesn’t invite me, and my place is a lot more comfortable anyway. His place never looks “lived in.” Everything must be tidy and “just so.”

Bed made, bathroom spotless, no socks on the floor.

Generally, we spend weekends together, and that’s it. He also refuses to bottom for me or even let me finger him, but he likes it when I come on his ass. In general, he hasn’t been very horny for me the last few years.

Anyway, due to a combination of factors (COVID, construction, etc.), I’ve been working at his apartment for a few days. In the coat closet, where he keeps all his supplies, there’s a big bottle of Wet lube and an economy-sized box of Fleet enemas.

What’s a guy to think?—Frustrated in Brooklyn

good explanation—or he might be able to pull a vaguely plausible one out of his squeaky-clean ass—and you’ll have to make your best guess as to whether he’s telling you the truth.

But if you want to stay with him, FIB, you might wanna lead with that. You can regard what you found when you were looking for supplies—not snooping, of course, never snooping—as an unforgivable betrayal, FIB, or you can regard it as an opportunity to renegotiate the terms of your relationship.

SAVAGE LOVE

First, a minor quibble. You use the word “committed” to mean “sexually exclusive,” FIB, when you should know—as a reader of my column— that not all committed relationships are sexually exclusive and vice-versa. Two people can be married or partnered and committed to each other for the long haul while still fucking other people; and two people can decide to stop fucking other people because they don’t wanna use condoms (or they wanna limit their risk of contracting COVID) without committing to each other for the rest of the year, much less the long haul.

As for what you found when you weren’t snooping around your boyfriend’s apartment…

While it’s not always the ones who think open relationships are “wrong” who cheat, FIB, it’s so often the case—it’s so often the ones who insist open relationships are wrong— that it’s something of a cliché. So, it’s entirely possible your boyfriend has been cleaning out for other men. But why? Why would your boyfriend cheat if he knew you would be fine with an open relationship? Well, some people who cheat think cheating is wrong (and it is) and the least they can do if they’re gonna cheat (and they are) is have the decency to feel bad about it (or pretend to). Other people are selfish assholes who wanna fuck around on their partners but don’t want their partners fucking around on them.

Of course, we don’t know for sure whether your boyfriend has been cheating on you. Lube by itself isn’t proof—guys use lube to jack off—and that box of Fleet enemas could’ve been sitting in his closet for a decade or more. There’s only one way to get to the bottom of this mystery: ask your boyfriend what’s up. He might have a

I’m recently married to a man I have been with for six years. We have a very happy life together in most respects and a very stable and loving relationship. The problem is, six months ago I fell deeply in love with a colleague. (We work in the same field at different companies.)

I have never felt this way about anyone before.

I have also never cheated. But this is truly the most creative and synchronous connection I have experienced. The second problem is that the colleague is also married and has three children.

His marriage is stable but sexless. He says he wants to leave his wife but is unwilling to do so until his youngest child goes to university, which won’t be for another two years. Meanwhile, I am wracked with guilt and indecision about how to proceed. I know that I need to make my own decisions, but I feel paralyzed. How do I start to untangle this knot?—Married And Reassessing Relationships In Every Detail What’s the rush? You’ve got a crush on a married man who’s unwilling to leave his wife for at least the next two years. Since you have no way of knowing how you’ll feel two years from now, MARRIED, and you have no way of knowing how your married colleague will feel two years from now, you don’t have to make any big moves.

(Hell, you have no way of knowing for sure how your married colleague feels right now.) If you’re sure you don’t wanna stay in your marriage—whatever else might happen—you should end your marriage so your husband can get on with his life.

But if you can envision a future where your feelings for your colleague have run their course and you can see yourself recommitting to a future with the man you’re currently married to, all you need to do right now is wait.

My wife and I have been together for eight years, married

for four. Before we dated, I was honest with her about the fact that I could not offer long-term sexual monogamy in a relationship. She told me she understood and would be into participating in that with me. We stayed monogamous for a few years before attempting to introduce non-monogamous adventures into our life. Although we went to swingers’ parties and used the popular websites, no potential pairings ever seemed to click for her, either MMF or MWMW. We decided to get married despite never having had an actual encounter with anyone outside our relationship. We have always enjoyed a very satisfying and frequent sex life, but she is now ambivalent about the idea of swinging. She’s told me that if she had to rank her interest from 1-10 it would

fall somewhere between 0 and 1. She has said she is willing to do it for me and that should be all I need. She puts no effort into finding potential partners or play opportunities. She also does not support the idea of me doing anything solo.

Dan, I wanted a partner who would do this with me enthusiastically. I don’t want to drag anyone into sexual activity they aren’t really interested in. I tried to do this right from the beginning, but now every direction looks dangerous. Is there a way forward?—Happily Married, Unhappily Monogamous If I had a time machine, HMUM, I would crash your bachelor party and urge you to postpone the wedding until after you’d had a few successful threesomes/foursomes with your thenfiancée, now-wife. Because if swinging was really that important to you, before the wedding was the right time to make sure your wife was into it, not years later. Maybe your wife was into the idea before the service and isn’t into it now (vows seem to have that effect on some people), or maybe she was just telling you what you wanted to hear.

Either way, she’ll never be the true “partner in crime” you wanted—meaning, even if she’s willing to go there, she’s not going to put any effort into making it happen. That’s on you. But if she’s willing to give it a try, why not set something up? If she agrees to it, she might wind up liking it more than she thinks. (That happens.) If she doesn’t agree to it, then you face a choice: let these fantasies go, let monogamy go, or let her go.

I just read your response to the gay man who wanted to buy a straight male friend a meaningful gift. I was surprised to see this in your response: “So, besides pussy, what does your straight friend like?” Heterosexual men do not like “pussy.” Heterosexual men like women. And not all women have pussies. You know better, Dan.—Promote Understanding To All I will scold the next straight guy who tells me he likes pussy, PUTA, and slap the next gay guy who tells me he likes dick—just like Dale Carnegie urged his readers to do in chapter 12 of “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”

Contact questions@savagelove.net and follow @ FakeDanSavage on Twitter.

cltampa.com | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | 45

46 | DECEMBER 30, 2021 - JANUARY 5, 2022 | cltampa.com

creative loafing puzzler 67 IF I OWNED A TRAVEL AGENCY 68 72

by Merl Reagle ACROSS 74 1 ... I’d send Inuits 76 to ___ 80 6 City near Tempe 10 Get rambunctious 81 15 Hormel product 19 Shed ___ 20 Summarily let go 21 Actress Christine 82 22 Sinuous dance 85 23 ... I’d send Sylvester 88 Stallone to ___ 25 ... I’d send Chevy 89 Chase to ___ 90 27 Damaged, as 92 damask 28 A lower figure 29 Critter or leg part 95 30 Collection agcy.

96 31 Roguish 97 32 Use a fly rod 98 33 ... I’d send magicians to ___ 99 38 Next-to-last round 39 Quebec assent 40 Steps out of line 103 41 Little one 42 ... I’d send half the plumbers to ___ ... 104 45 Minor 47 Tubside flooring 107 48 Principle 49 Outfit anew, as a 108 horse 51 ... I’d send Cheech 109 and Chong to ___ 110 111 53 ... I’d send the other plumbers to ___ 115 56 Volunteer’s response 58 Child who behaves perfectly 117 59 Bingeing 118 60 ... I’d send cold 119 sufferers to ___ 120 64 Some IRAs 121 65 Singer Leonard 1

2

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4

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Thrill Spray ... I’d send lawyers to ___ Moderately slow Jordan’s capital Snack cracker brand ... I’d send Mr. Garcia and Mr. Williams to ___ ... I’d send Hiawatha to ___ Avoidance, perhaps Seriously impairs Hollywood opening Straighten ... I’d send William F. Buckley to ___ Outwitter of 40 thieves Lena of movies Baked treat Nautical term ... I’d send fortunetellers to ___ “West and wewaxation” seeker Word that might accompany a fist pump Odin, for one John’s Welsh equivalent Stare in wonder Author Emile ... I’d send the Three Stooges to ___ ... I’d send myself to the Swiss city of ___ Skin feature Actor Davis German river Overturn Sleeping Beauty waker 6

19

7

122 Gardening bane 123 Night predators 124 ... and I’d send banana salesmen to ___, New York

8

DOWN 1 L.A. hot spot, 8/11/65 2 Dramatist Fugard 3 Suspicious 4 ___ interest 5 Sellout sign 6 Succeeds 7 Am alive 8 Witnesses 9 Newspapers, mostly 10 Pond scum 11 Cheers barmaid 12 John Donne poem 13 Stage coach Hagen 14 Tire-change place 15 Puppeteer Lewis 16 Athrob 17 Total effort 18 More, to Miguel 24 Slangy dollars 26 Partner of starts 29 X, to Xanthippe 32 City near Calexico, El ___ 33 Wine vats 34 Lawyer-creating guy 35 Web addresses, familiarly 36 “It’s true!”

37 Purloin 38 Percale items 39 Have debts 42 Seer Dixon 43 Available, as ale 44 Valuable dust, to Valdez 45 Plug place 46 Piddling 47 Weight unit 48 Terrible time?

50 Fruit drink brand 9

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16

T R A I R E N NOE N P H I L E R E S T E RW I T T I ON E T T O AM I E E D MO S Z E R M I L A D A T I N EWH A T CR E 3 RCM I P RO AMA N L L OV E OMB A T N E S T

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P E A R

17

18

36

37

69

70

71

104

105

106

63 68 75

87

88

92

93

97

94

98

102

103

108 114

9AM UNTIL 9PM • 7 DAYS

81

101

113

IN CALL / OUT CALL

58

74

86

96

112

25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

47

62

91

107

If You Want To Drink, That's Your Business

Gentle Touch

52

67

85

100

with a

41

57

80 83

S E R

35

51

73

82

15

46

61

66

Strong Hands

26

56 60

65

GU A V A O F F I C BORD E S A A S L I L E Y D I N NN A U E N S N W I N S A I L E RN I C P K E E P A U L E T S S MOO NUMB E E S S X L A S T S EWE T OH E N OUR E

14

@ THE RELAXATION STATION

30

45

72

111

13

B B C

50

55

59

99

12

A M B E R S

34

44

95

S A O

S A K E

EWA R MA R E S O F T H E T E L E S S A T UR K S E A I H E V I X UR E S T A S C OWP GA R U E L M I R T E A D I NN E R NDDOE H A Y L E R T I R T H A E H E N ON T

IS ALCOHOL A PROBLEM?

PUZZLE FANS !

For info on Merl's Sunday crossword anthologies, visit www.sunday crosswords.com.

Solution to Mother Nature T H T H E OWS V A S E R S T E A L L T E A S A R I D E N E D RO S F S K E H I EO L UG I T A N E Y GR E

MASSAGE

BY BUTCH

MA-23646 MM-8161

40

49

78

84 86 87 91 93 94

29

48

77

73 75 76 77 78 79 81 83

96 Latin word on a dollar bill 97 Hook’s undoer 100 Deals (with) 101 Egg-shaped 102 Diamond “corners” 103 ___ Attraction 104 Bumpkin 105 Nicholas Gage book 106 Wall St.’s ___ 500 109 Eat like a rat 110 Shocks 111 Toll rd.

112 ___ polloi 113 Moon jumper 114 Sugar ending 115 Metrics opener 116 Him, in Nimes

22

39

64

70 71 72

33

38

53

69

25

32

42

11

62 63 66 68

Touch a Tiger Some math sets Scoreless tie Court assn.

Nettlesome Historic Korean port Jazz setting?

M. Descartes “Come again?”

Bone hurler in 2001 Salman Rushdie’s birthplace Flower supports Hardy heroine Icy treats, ___-cones Charged particle Halted the flow of Tapestry Slangy dollars Feigns illness Fuel ending Prop for Tiger Fearsome Hindu goddess Yale students Elec. co., e.g.

That girl Ardent Destitute ones Birch tree

21

24

31

76

10

20

52 54 55 57 60 61

109

110

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

124

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