TOP 10 THINGS TO DO, EAT, AND SEE IN TAMPA - RECOMMENDED BY LOCALS

I went to Tampa last month and asked 7 locals where their favorite spots to eat, drink and hangout were. This is what they told me.....

Photo Credit: Ashley Reams Mistretta

RYAN BROWN - BEVERAGE DIRECTOR AT ANISE
EDGE @ THE EPICUREAN HOTEL - Epicurean's rooftop bar is the perfect spot for guest and locals to enjoy uniquely crafted cocktails.
ROOSTER AND TILL - Enjoy small plates of Modern American cooking in a rustic atmosphere
MISE EN PLACE - Refined Modern American cooking.
CIRO'S SPEAKEASY - A speakeasy and supper club featuring hand crafted cocktails true to the prohibition era.
FLY BAR - Tampa's pioneer urban bar and restaurant.
CENA - simple and fresh Italian food in a contemporary setting
HOTEL BAR - crafted cocktails in downtown Tampa
DONATELLO - Fine Italian cuisine
BRICK AND MORTAR - Rustic atmosphere American fare in St. Pete's
IL RITORNO - contemporary Italian
MANDERINE HYDE - Retro cocktail bar

STUART - BARTENDER AT HIDDEN SPRINGS BREWERY
ANGRY CHAIR BREWING - Micro brewery in Seminole Heights
MERMAID - Craft brews, diverse wines & eclectic fare
FIRST CHANCE LAST CHANCE - Bar and courtyard
RESERVOIR BAR - Dive bar in historic Ybor
INDEPENDENT BAR AND CAFE - Cafe/bar open for breakfast. Music/movie night and a beer garden.
FLY BAR - Tampa's pioneer urban bar and restaurant.
HAVEN - modern Mediterranean dishes served in a stylish, refined dining atmosphere
DIRTY SHAME - Dive bar in historic Ybor

COUPLE IN FLY BAR
THE COLUMBIA - Traditional Spanish restaurant in historic Ybor
ULELE - Rustic-chic site for native Floridian fare, with barbacoa grilling & house-brewed beers
BERN'S STEAK HOUSE - Tampa's famous refined steakhouse with the largest private wine collection in the world
SOHO (SOUTH HOWARD) - a popular street in south Tampa for drinking (college kids hotspot)
ACAPULCO GROCERY - hole in the wall restaurant but the best taco's in Tampa
MIGUELITOS TAQUERIA Y TEQUILAS -  Voted Tampa's best Mexican restaurant.
JANNUS LIVE - Outdoor music venue in St Pete's
HYDE PARK - upscale open air shopping district with lots of dining and entertainment
GASPARILLA PIRATE FESTIVAL - Tampa's Mardi Gras, pirate style!

GEOFF CRAIN - BARTENDER AT HOTEL BAR
BERN'S STEAK HOUSE - Tampa's famous refined steakhouse with the largest private wine collection in the world
BODEGA ON CENTRAL - Cuban sandwiches & other Latin American street foods in St. Pete's
CROWBAR - downtown bar and beer garden with live music
NEW WORLD BREWERY - Indie pub and brewery with live music
THE RITZ, YBOR - Tampa's premier special events and concert venue
HAVEN - modern Mediterranean dishes served in a stylish, refined dining atmosphere
THE HUB BAR - Laid-back 1940s-vintage bar with strong drinks and jupbox
BONEYARD - Dive bar in historic Ybor
FIRST CHANCE LAST CHANCE - Bar and courtyard
ROOSTER AND TILL - Enjoy small plates of Modern American cooking in a rustic atmosphere

MIKE - INSTRUCTOR AT URBAN KAI
BERN'S STEAK HOUSE - Tampa's famous refined steakhouse with the largest private wine collection in the world
ROOSTER AND TILL - Enjoy small plates of Modern American cooking in a rustic atmosphere
BOCA - Farm-to-table eatery serving Californian-Mediterranean small plates
SOHO SUSHI - Upscale eatery offering specialty sushi rolls & cooked Japanese fare
THE GETAWAY - Tiki bar in St. Pete's
FLY BAR - Tampa's pioneer urban bar and restaurant.
ELLA'S - American comfort food
 OXFORD EXCHANGE - European-inspired space featuring a restaurant, bookstore, coffeehouse & shop with decor & gifts.
MISE EN PLACE - Refined Modern American cooking.

GREG WHITE - SOCIAL MEDIA AND BRAND MANAGER AT E2 MEDIA LLC
THE MILL - Inventive New American food with a Southern spin joins craft cocktails in farmstead-chic surroundings in St Pete's
ROOSTER AND TILL - Enjoy small plates of Modern American cooking in a rustic atmosphere
FODDER AND SHINE - Locally sourced Southern comfort fare, craft beer & cocktails in modern, country-inspired digs.
ULELE - Rustic-chic site for native Floridian fare, with barbacoa grilling & house-brewed beers
CHOCOLATE PI - French patisserie and sweet shop
ON SWANN - Creative New American cuisine prepared in an open-concept kitchen of this chic, lofty eatery.
BOCA - Farm-to-table eatery serving Californian-Mediterranean small plates
BERN'S STEAK HOUSE - Tampa's famous refined steakhouse with the largest private wine collection in the world
WAT MONGKOLRATANARAM - a Buddhist Thai temple known for its Sunday food market
WHISKY JOE - Rustic hangout with a party vibe that serves casual American chow & booze right on the beach.
YOLK, WHITE & ASSOCIATES - Sandwiches, Breakfast, Coffee etc.


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PUNTA MITA, MEXICO

I recently (as you may of already noticed via my Instagram) went on a week long vacation to Punta Mita, a small village located 10 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. In the last 10 years Punta Mita has seen a lot of economic growth especially due to a huge private development that houses numerous estates, clubhouses, private restaurants, beach clubs, a medical centre and two luxury hotels. Although it may take me light years till I can afford to own a house there, Punta Mita is probably as close to heaven as I have ever been. Except in this case only those who own a house, know someone who does or are a guest at one of the two luxury hotels can pass St Peter’s pearly white gates. Even the hotel accommodations come at quiet a hefty price tag of $1,000+ USD a night for the smallest casita. This place could not be more luxurious – the Prime Minister of Mexico goes on vacation there for heaven sake!

While most of us could only dream about going to a place like this, I miraculously was invited to come explore the private compound and share my experience with you. So here we go >>>----->

ACCOMMODATIONS

The St Regis is probably the most expensive hotel I have ever come across with rooms starting at over $5,000+ USD in high season. I cannot imagine what kind of top notch, heavenly services you get for that price tag however from my first impression of visiting and dinning there it is probably pretty spectacular. The hotel itself is gorgeous and you can tell no expense was spared when they designed it. The hotels signature restaurant Carolina offers a fine dining experience of the very best in contemporary Mexican cuisine. Using fresh local ingredients and uncompromised cooking techniques Carolina captures the hearts and souls (should I drop the heaven thing yet lol) of all who eat there. With signature dishes like ceviche, suckling pig, and quail tacos there is something for everyone’s palate.

The Four Seasons in Punta Mita is actually owned by Bill Gates. This Mexican oasis is absolutely picture perfect and exactly how you would imagine a beachfront hotel. With white-sand beaches and turquoise waters there is no wonder that the area features some of the best snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, surfing and golf in the world.  Although I did not stay at The Four Season I did get to eat there! The Aramara restaurant in The Four Season features exquisite contemporary Asian cuisine made from the freshest product and seafood caught daily right off the shores of Punta Mita. With indoor and outdoor dining options Aramara offers zen-like touches to a wonderful dining experience. Get the crispy shrimp! They are unreal!

ACTIVITIES

The recently renovated Kupuri Beach Club is one of three intimate resident beach clubs that offers additional socializing, relaxation, and dining experiences for resident members and their guests. With valet parking, a concierge, spa services, an infinity pool, beach bar, water and fitness activities and of course lots of beach front – an afternoon at this beach club is an afternoon well spent.

Vista Paraiso offers a wide range of activities including ziplining, horseback riding and ATV tours. It is located about a 15-20 minute drive from Punta Mita. I went on a horseback riding tour through the small Mexican village of Higuera Blanca onto a small jungle trail and along a sunny beach. The ride lasted about an hour and a half and the horses were very well behaved. The ride is led by the ranch vaquero (that’s Mexican for cowboy – I say Mexican because I don’t think this is a word used in Spain) and is well documented by the resident ‘paparazzi’ who will print your photo at the end of the ride for a price.  I enjoyed myself at the ranch and everyone was very friendly however I would of probably preferred something a little more high pace like ATVing – ok I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, DON’T JUDGE!

Golfing in the Punta Mita estates is unreal! I may not be a very experienced golfer but the people I played with were and they were just as impressed by the 36 holes - Jack Nicklaus golf course as I was. The golf course and clubhouse is open to the residence of the estates and their guest as well as the St. Regis and The Four Season guests. Don’t get distracted by the ocean views and picturesque manicured landscapes because this course gets quiet difficult even for those well seasoned golfers. Check out this hole below!

The Pacífico, with eight holes directly facing or playing alongside the Pacific Ocean, features the “Tail of the Whale”, an optional par-three hole with the largest natural island green in the world.

I will admit that I am much more familiar with Tennis then I am golf which is why it is no surprise I found myself drawn to the Tennis Center in the Punta Mita estates. Nestled into a grove of palm trees the Tennis Center offers hard and soft sand filled synthetic grass courts to suit your preference and also features complimentary use of balls and shoes. Additionally, ice water and chilled hand towels that have a hint of lemon freshness are placed courtside to help you cool off after a game. Now that is classy! Rackets are available to rent for $8 so no need to lug yours all the way to Mexico!

If you win the lottery or are looking for a great luxury vacation Punta Mita is the perfect destination for you. The area is very safe and family friendly and offers tons of activities including great surfing (I wanted to surf so bad but there wasn’t enough time). If you’re in the market to purchase a vacation home or apartment I would urge you to consider looking at this development! The St. Regis and Four Seasons do maintain and rent properties in the compound on behalf of the owners when they are not occupied so there are also potential income benefits available to investing in paradise! So what are you waiting for? GO!


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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

I recently arrived back from a short but sweet trip to one of America’s oldest cities – Boston. This was the first time I have ever really had the chance to explore Boston properly so you know I had to hit the ground running!!!

Ok so after arriving in Boston, looking for the best attractions and restaurants was a little hard. I don’t necessarily think that their food scene is that obvious meaning I have heard from others that it’s there, but still quiet underground so make sure to ask locals for recommendations if you can. A lot of establishments have been around for a while so finding the coolest new places can be a challenge, however I managed to find something for everyone!

SIDE NOTE: If you are flying into Boston’s Logan airport make sure to look out the window during landing! The Boston Logan airport is located on the waterfront and you get absolutely picturesque views of the city!!!!

First things first! Things to do!!!!

Samuel Adams Brewery - 30 Germania St, Boston, MA

I made sure that I stopped by the Samuel Adams brewery. Not just because they have tours starting from 11-4 every day for a simple $2 donation (proceed go to one of their chosen charities), but you also get FREE samples!!!! Tours are about 45 minutes long and include a FREE sample tumbler souvenir as well!

Fun facts about the Samuel Adams Brewery:

-       They let you sample and review beer that isn’t on the market a.k.a. you get to give the ‘Gladiator’ thumb-of-approval
-       Boston is home to a Samuel Adams beer you can’t find anywhere else! It’s called the Boston Brick Red and its only available on tap and in Boston.
-       Boston water (as in PH levels, Dissolved Oxygen, Chlorophyll and other Fluorescing Materials levels, etc) is one of the most important components to the flavor profile you can find in their beer.  Samuel Adams does have breweries in other states and they will break down their local water content and build it up again to match Boston’s water profile before brewing.
-       Samuel Adams (a founding father of America) didn’t start the Samuel Adams Brewing Company - Jim Koch’s did in 1984
-       Their autumn seasonal Octoberfest beer is available August through October and can be purchased in the gift shop along with other small batch growlers! I grabbed their Blueberry growler and it was so YUM!

SAMUEL ADAMS BREWERY -> LINK

Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum - 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA

This museum is better known for its gorgeous courtyard, which is ideal for amazing photo opportunities. The Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum is the converted residence of Isabelle Stewart Gardner – an American art collector, philanthropist, and patron of the arts. She was a very affluent lady in her time and incorporated her property into the museum in 1900. Today, the museum hosts exhibitions of historic and contemporary art, as well as concerts, lectures, family and community programs, and changing courtyard displays.

Fun fact about the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum:

- admittance is discounted to those wearing Boston Red Sox memorabilia, and is free to anyone named Isabella!

ISABELLE STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM -> LINK

Quincy Market - 367 S Market St, Boston, MA

Quincy Market is a historic market complex near Faneuil Hall in downtown Boston (near the water). I loved this place and found it a great place to stop after you explore the Boston harbor. The market itself offers a wide range of food vendors and restaurants. The market can get a bit hectic on the weekend but is still a fun place to go if you want a family friendly activity. Also expect to see horse drawn carriages around the market/Faneuil Hall and street busker performances.

QUINCY MARKET -> LINK

Place to eat! YUM!

Sorellina – Fine Dining $$$$ 1 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA

I loved the Italian-Mediterranean cuisine at this restaurant. I ordered the octopus appetizer with squid ink cous cous and it was a symphony of flavors in my mouth. This restaurant is super posh so it’s great for a nice celebratory dinner occasion or if you are looking to really impress someone. Wink wink nudge nudge.

SORELLINA -> LINK

Saltie Girl – New Seafood Restaurant/Oyster Bar $$$ 281 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA

A new comer to the Boston restaurant scene, Saltie Girl is an oyster bar and seafood paradise. Boston is known for their lobster rolls and clam chowder and you can definitely get both of these staples here! I got their spicy tuna carpaccio, which was literally art on a plate. I also would recommend their Foie Gras with brioche as it was so decadent and delicious it brought tears to my eyes – ok not really but you get the point! LOL!

SALTIE GIRL -> LINK

Kashmir – Indian $$ 279 Newbury St, Boston, MA

Located on Boston’s famous Newbury Street this place serves up some great Indian food. I had their version of Chana Masala and a side of their Dahl and had absolutely no regrets! You can also enjoy their patio and free WIFI if you’re in the area and are in need of refreshments or a break from shopping.

KASHMIR -> LINK

Gourmet Dumpling House – Chinese $$ 52 Beach St, Boston, MA

I was recommended this place by one of my followers and I am so glad I went. This little dumpling house located in Boston’s Chinatown was packed full of people and served up some pretty awesome steamed dumplings. Expect very nice portions that are good for sharing.

GOURMET DUMPLING HOUSE -> LINK

Other fun stuff to do in Boston

If the Red Sox are in town go to Fenway Park to see a game!!!! -> LINK

Keep an eye out for awesome acts at the House of Blues!!! -> LINK

Zip around the waterfront in a speedboat called Codzilla!!  - This looks like a lot of fun and I wish I could of done this! Be prepared to get wet! -> LINK

DESTINATION MONTREAL!!!

Have you ever traveled somewhere and felt more at home there then you do at home? For me Montréal is one of those places. When I was in my early twenties I visited a friend going to university there and it didn’t take me long to get hooked.  It seems that now I am drawn back to this beautiful historic French city every summer. With over 100 festivals annually, Montreal is a vibrant, energetic city where something is always happening. It’s a place with a booming culinary scene that comes with great value and more bang for you buck then any other major city in Canada.  It has a social scene that is young, trendy, creative, and shows itself through the colourful street art and murals that prominently decorate the city.  With so many great hotels, attractions, historic building and delicious places to eat there is no way you can’t enjoy yourself.

Last month I visited Montréal and filmed this travel vlog. My goal was to highlight why I think Montreal is such a great place to visit. Whether you are Canadian or not it’s a perfect destination to travel without putting too much strain on your wallet. It’s a place with endless options and infinite amounts of amusement – so why not visit? Watch my vlog below to see what I got up to when I went to Montreal.

Thanks for watching my vlog! If you are interested in visiting any of the places I went to I have added information on them below! You can also visit Tourisme Montreal to see what festivals are currently going on in Montreal.


Markets:

Atwater Market - 138 Atwater Avenue Montréal, Québec H4C 2H6

Located in the southwest corner of Montréal near the Lachine Canal, the Atwater Market was established in 1933. Open year-round, Atwater Market is known for its many butchers and delicatessens, as well as its horticultural vendors and farmers whose kiosks are brimming with fresh produce and border the perimeter of the building from spring through summer. Its many shopkeepers offer a wide variety of fresh, unique and specialty products. The expertise and dedication of many of the merchants have been passed down from generation to generation and have helped build Atwater Market’s reputation internationally.

Jean-Telon Market - 7070 Henri-Julien Avenue Montréal, Québec H2S 3S3

In the heart of Little Italy, the Jean-Talon Market is one of the oldest public markets in Montréal opening in May of 1933. The Jean-Talon Market is known for its numerous local fruit and vegetable vendors as well as the cultural diversity of its shopkeepers. It is one of the largest public markets in North America and its atmosphere is lively in both summer and winter.

At the Jean-Talon Market, you won’t just find fruits and vegetables, but also flowers, spices, oils, cheese, meat, fish and artisanal bakery goods, in addition to a wide selection of regional products from all over Québec!


Restaurants:

Bouillon Bilk - 1595 Boul. St-Laurent Montréal QC H2X 2S9

A lovely, refined restaurant located in downtown Montreal that caters to a young hip professional crowd. Their dishes are both elegant and thoughtful often presenting masterpieces so beautiful to look at you are not sure you should eat them. So do what I do, snap a photo and save the memory and then dive right in and explore the symphony of flavors in each dish. Waiters are also very helpful and knowledgeable at making recommendations from both the menu and the wine list.

I recommend calling for reservations - 514.845.1595 or visit their website.

La Diperie - 68 Ave des Pins E, Montréal, QC H2W 1N5

LA DIPERIE is one of my favorite soft service ice cream shops! With over 20 different dips, numerous toppings and endless combinations – this place will have you rethinking how you use to do ice cream.

Grumman 78 – 630 Rue de Courcelle, Montréal, QC H4C 3C5

Situated on the western edge of St-Henri, Grumman 78 is located in an old garage that formerly housed the City’s cavalry. Industrial yet warm, this restaurant’s take on Mexican street food is perfect for intimate gatherings or large groups. They also have a food truck that you can usually find at different events and festivals in the city. 

For reservations call - 514-290-5125 or visit their website.

Olive and Gourmando - 351 Saint-Paul W. MONTREAL, QC H2Y 2A7

Olive and Gourmando is a small café patisserie restaurant located in Old Montreal that serves amazing Panini sandwiches. They often have a line up out the door but don’t shy away because you can always get take out. One of my favorite items on the menu is the Cuban sandwich!


Festivals:

Just For Laughs – Comedy shows are held at various locations. Festival stomping grounds are located in the Place D’Arts on Rue Ste. Catherine.

A yearly festival dedicated to making you laugh! The Just for Laughs festival brings together a plethora of the worlds top comics to entertain you for an entire month! Be prepared to bust a gut because you will be laughing till you cry. Some of my favorite comics to see this year were Jermain Fowler, Nick Thune and Joe Mande!

Piknic Electronik  - Parc Jean Drapeau

Piknic Électronik is a weekly electronic music festival that takes place every Sunday during the summer in Montréal. Established in 2003, the festival takes place at Parc Jean-Drapeau and features local and international DJs and producers. There are two stages, food trucks and lots of space to bring a blanket, lounge under a tree and spend your day off listening to some good music with friends.

To see what this weeks music line up is visit their website.

♥ ♥ These are just two of the 100+ festivals that go on each year in Montréal. Make sure to check out Tourisme Montreal to see what else is happening in the city.


Museums:

MAC aka The Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal - 185 Sainte-Catherine Ouest

Located in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal presents temporary exhibitions devoted to outstanding and relevant current artists from all over the world. It is a place of discovery, offering visitors experiences that are continually changing and new, and often unexpected and stirring. Every form of expression may be featured: digital and sound works, installations, paintings, sculptures, ephemeral pieces, and more.

Check out their website to see exhibits currently on at the museum.

MMFA aka Montreal Museum of Fine Art - 1380 Sherbrooke Street West

The Montreal Museum of Fine Art is one of the most prominent art museums in Canada. It has works that encompass all the great cultures of the world. The museum itself dates back to 1860 and has a permanent collection of approximately 41,000 works. They are currently building their fifth pavilion making it one of the largest art museums in North America.

Check out their website to see exhibits currently on at the museum.

DESTINATION OSOYOOS!!!

This April I went to Osoyoos. Osoyoos is located in the south Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, Canada just 10 KM away from the border of Washington State. The Okanagan Valley is known for its amazing climate. Often the hottest places in Canada in the summer, the climate is ideal for growing grapes and other fruit. Although the resident population of Osoyoos is small the area swells with tourism in the spring and summer as people swarm in to visit the abundant wineries and farm-to-table restaurants.

I put together a travel vlog while I was there this past April! Check it out below!

If you are interested in learning more about any of these businesses or events I encourage you to check out their websites below!

Lake Village Bakery

Osoyoos Oyster Festival

Shucker Paddy

The People's Craft House

Terrafina Restaurant at Hester Creek

Dubh Glas Distillery - Noteworthy Gin

Liquidity Wines

Smoke and Oak Bistro

River Stone Estate Winery

Pig Out

Covert Organic Farms Family Estate

Destination Osoyoos

SPECIAL THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT PARTICIPATED IN THIS VIDEO!


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