Favorite place for a girls night out: Cinébistro – my girlfriends and I love a great movie. It’s even better when you can enjoy a great dinner and drinks, too. Because of its Hyde Park location, we can hang out afterward in the lounge or head across the street to Timpano or On Swann.
Favorite spot to take out-of-town guests: The Columbia or Bern’s Steak House. These are definitely Tampa staples and are must-have experiences when visiting Tampa.
Favorite place for a power lunch: SoFresh. I love the Power Bowl or the Granny Salad with either chicken or salmon.
Favorite place for special family occasions: Koto’s Japanese Steak House if we are including our kids. Our kids go wild for the fiery onion volcano. If you’re talking just adults, we like Bern’s.
Best place to watch Lightning games with friends: Ducky’s – pretty much for all sporting events for that matter. They have plenty of big TVs and great food and drinks.
Favorite local boutique: Penelope T. [Owner] Nickie and her staff always get it right. As a busy mom of three, I can get in and out with an amazing outfit or addition to my wardrobe. They carry awesome brands and stylish clothes that you can’t find anywhere else.
Favorite waterfront restaurant: Ulële. As a southern girl, I love the okra fries and jalapeño cheddar grit cakes.
Favorite place to grab a meal downtown: Bamboozle Café. It’s great for grabbing a light, healthy bite. I usually go for the Kick’n Chicken rice paper rolls.
Favorite weekend brunch spot: Ava. I usually go for the spinach omelet, and their coffee is jolting. Endless mimosas are great, too!
Favorite Italian food: OGGI Italian – I love the Chicken Milanese. If I’m feeling like a carnivore, I’ll order their meatballs, which are the best! And their salad dressing is addictive!
Favorite pizza: Cappys is a go-to for family pizza night.
Best sushi: SoHo Sushi. I always order the volcano road and yellowtail nigiri.
Favorite place for a craft cocktail and cocktail of choice: The Epicurean’s rooftop bar, Edge Social Drinkery. I love the ambiance of this modern bar. My cocktail of choice is usually the espresso martini, and this time of year I go for the Winter Silk!
Favorite place to sit with a cup of coffee and coffee drink of choice: Buddy Brew is a great place for a business meeting or to catch up with my friends. I go for a seasonal latte paired with a poached egg breakfast biscuit. Yum!
Favorite nightclub: Hyde Out. It has a great atmosphere and drinks and always good company!
Favorite place to grab a drink downtown: Franklin Manor. This venue has a great vibe with unique cocktails and live music.
Favorite place for a long walk: We utilize Bayshore Boulevard as often as we can. It’s such a great view whether you walk, run or bike along the water. My kids enjoy the usual dolphin or stingray sightings along the way.
Favorite exercise class or gym: I have to mention Life Time Athletic. It has been a game changer for me and my family. There is nothing like it in Tampa. This upscale club has everything I need. My kids even get upset when I go without them. And Soho Cycling Studio is the best place for a sweat session in town! I owe my bounce back from all three kids to them.
Favorite park: Curtis Hixon Park. I love the wide open grassy area on the waterfront. It’s a great place to kick around a soccer ball or have a picnic. We love riding our bikes to the park from the connecting Riverwalk.
Favorite Bay-area beach: Pass-a-Grille Beach. We like to go where it’s quiet and where the locals are. The beachfront of the Don CeSar is awesome when hanging out with my girlfriends!
