Favorite place for a girls’ night out: Hyde Park Village is a fun place for a GNO because it has great dining choices, and you can catch a chick flick after dinner at Cinébistro.
Favorite date-night spot: Without hesitation, Bern’s Steak House. From the dining room to the dessert room, every experience here is perfection.
Favorite spot to take guests from out of town: If they’re not from Florida, we always take guests to the water for a day of boating or paddle boarding through the mangroves – followed by a drink at The Getaway, of course!
Favorite place for a power lunch: Pane Rustica because it’s in my neighborhood, and anything you order is delicious. My go-to is the Rustica Salad.
Favorite place for special family occasions: Since my kids are 14 and 19, we have tons of options for a family fun day. Topgolf and Pinarama are always choices both kids easily agree on.
Favorite local store: Surf Outfitter on Swann because I can shop for my son and daughter (as well as myself and my husband) in one stop. They have legit surf and beach brands, casual weekend clothes and the best swimwear around.
Best place for a healthy meal: Fresh Kitchen. It’s healthy and delicious – and I don’t feel guilty ordering extra sauce.
Favorite dive restaurant: Skipper’s Smokehouse is a super fun place with a rustic, laidback atmosphere, good food and live music.
Favorite weekday breakfast spot: I love Daily Eats’ turkey hash bowl with poached eggs. It’s never hard finding a girlfriend to meet me there for an impromptu breakfast and coffee to start the workday. Everyone loves Daily Eats!
Favorite weekend brunch spot: Élevage at the Epicurean Hotel has become our favorite for brunch since our reservation on Mother’s Day last year. The menu is diverse, the chef accommodating, and the service impeccable. The food is amazing, and the coffee is extra delicious.
Favorite seafood restaurant: Ocean Prime is great for a nice seafood dinner. My husband and I love the tuna tartare appetizer so much we can’t share it and must each get our own.
Favorite pizza: Being from Long Island, New York, I am pretty picky with pizza. The best in Tampa is Eddie & Sam’s on Twiggs. We like to go for a casual dinner with the kids, have pizza and gelato, then walk it off at Curtis Hixon Park across the street.
Favorite place to sit with a cup of coffee and coffee drink of choice: Oxford Exchange is perfect for a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon tea. I usually order the French press with cream or a black English tea with milk and sugar, depending on the time of day.
Favorite dive bar: I’d have to say Pete’s Place. Between the live karaoke and eclectic after-midnight crowd, it’s so much fun and a great way to end the night.
Favorite place for a long walk: In my neighborhood, Bayshore Beautiful. My husband and I walk our dogs every morning. On the weekends we usually do a much longer walk and enjoy taking different routes. The dogs love it, and we get some cardio – win-win.
Favorite exercise class or gym: I love the workouts at Pure Barre! The teachers are so encouraging, and they help correct your form. You know you’re getting a great workout when you can still feel it days later.
Favorite place to take my pet: Our fur babies, a German shepherd and a Shetland sheepdog always enjoy a day at Fort De Soto’s dog beach. They also like going for a spa day at Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming.
Favorite museum: I find The Dalí Museum very inspirational. I haven’t gone to the Florida Holocaust Museum yet, but that one is next on my list.
Favorite Bay-area beach: I prefer a quiet beach spot that is not too crowded, so we like Siesta Key and the St. Pete beaches. A beach weekend at the Don CeSar is always a good idea.
