Joy to the world starts with a gift certificate to a new restaurant or craft brewery experience, or local wares from your favorite shops.
We’re loving fig balsamic vinegar from Kalamazoo Olive Oil, everything at Mazzaro’s and dark chocolates from Pinellas Chocolate Company. There are growlers from Green Bench and 3 Daughters, bubbly from Mermosa, brewing supplies from Avid Brewing in Grand Central, foodie gifts at The Annex and Kozuba Distillery spirits.
If you haven’t found your one-of-a-kind gift on Etsy, then head to the myriad of pop-up markets downtown, from the Edge to WADA. Brocante, The Royal Palm (Intermezzo) and the Indie Market as well as Saturday Morning Market. Cool crafts and candles, unique jewelry and iconic cards can be found at ZaZoo’d, Pieces of a Dream and Mis En Chic.
Get in the holiday spirit with Nightly Snowfall at The SUNDIAL, where Santa is ready for photos Friday – Sunday. Family Blessing, showcasing local talent, is at Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater Dec. 8th and tickets are going fast for Cirque Holidaze 12/29 and 12/30. Nate Najar’s holiday spectacular kicks off at The Palladium 12/13.
Speaking of Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails, Jarrett Sabatini is hosting a pop-up holiday bar from Manhattan through New Year’s Eve. Miracle started out as a pop-up Christmas cocktail bar in NYC’s East Village in 2014 and has grown into a must-see holiday destination in cities across the world. Meet guest bartenders every Wednesday slinging holiday concoctions.
Ester Venouziou and LocalShops1 hosted Top Local Chef Nov. 4th at Manhattan Casino, and Chef Beau Wallace (Beau n Mo’s Italian Eating House) won both the top popular and judges’ vote.
Pipo’s has a new location on 22nd St. South, and Bento Asian Kitchen & Sushi opened next to the waterfront Publix. Martini lovers have a new reason to like Mondays with Absolutely Martini at TheTapRoom@Hollander Hotel.
Discover Kenwood Organic Produce, a zero waste produce stand at 3325 5th Ave. N, selling produce and homemade sauces, jellies, veggie patties, almond milks, dried veggie and fruit chips and more. Coming this winter, Alto Mare Fish Market will open next to Annata’s. French casual cuisine and home goods, check out Left Bank Bistro on MLK in Crescent Heights. Souzou, near the Palladium is now Sake 23.
On Sundays, Bubbles at the Birch is the place to be at 4 pm, after Sunday at The Independent for the Jazz Project or at Delmar Gastropub for music. It’s a toss-up between music at Ale & The Witch or Hideaway as the sun goes down. Sunday is truly funday in DTSP!
December 11 is the Dine & Wine Tour starting at The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club the “Grand Dame” of downtown St. Pete and while sipping a signature cocktail then on to The Birchwood for wine & food pairing and a visit to The Canopy roof top restaurant. Stroll to Sun Dial’s celebrity chef Michael Mina owned Locale Market and Farm Table Cucina and end up at Flûte & Dram for a taste of the good life with a champagne and caviar tasting followed by with artisan baked desserts and coffee at Cassis St. Pete. The ongoing event is hosted by Tampa Bay Food tours and Flute & Dram.
Catch up with friends at Pet Pal’s Yappy Hour meet-up, 6 pm at Pinellas Ale Works Dec. 13 or Dec. 20 at MFA’s Cocktails & Collections.
Article by Nanette Wiser
Photos by City of St. Petersburg & Sundial