Gulfport Comfort Food To-Go – Two Dads

Pork belly could be on the menu If you thought life hadn’t been the same since Wade Parrish left O’Maddy’s, your world is about to be righted on its axis. Chef becomes a dad and decides he can’t have it all. (Who knew running a restaurant and being a parent were both exhausting? Come on!) […]

4 Day Dining Guide to Gulfport Florida

2021 Update Our 4-Day Dining Guide to Gulfport The year that shall not be named caused many upheavals in the restaurant world.  It also changed the average length of stay for most guests staying at our vacation homes.  Quick trips are less common, providing us with an incentive to expand our 3 day dining guide […]

VIP Lounge & Mexican Restaurant – Treasure Island

Popular Gem Tucked Away If you are new to the area, here’s what you need to know about VIP: The food and atmosphere are addicting (watch out, waistline) It has a cult-like following (do they put something in the food so I can’t stop?) They don’t take reservations or call ahead orders (who wants to […]

Where to Buy Fresh Seafood – Gulfport, Treasure Island & St Petersburg

When Freshness Really Counts As any chef or good cook will tell you, one of the keys to cooking success is to start with the freshest ingredients. And I think there’s nowhere where that’s more important than fresh seafood.. We’ve all taken that stroll through a supermarket reeking of questionable seafood products and bleach, only […]

Tampa Bay Times (tbt) review of Coffee Grounds in Treasure Island

After living without power for 4 days in the aftermath of Irma last year, a tbt correspondent visits Coffee Grounds Cafe and Dessert Bar in Treasure Island and finds an eclectic coffee bar cocktail bar combo. The venue sported an unusual selection of spirits when it first opened, so we’d love hearing from you, if […]

Pinellas Farmers Markets

A more thorough post on the area’s Farmers Markets is forthcoming, but for now here is a snapshot of local farmers markets.  You’ll find everything from creative breads to veggies and fruits to jewelry and seafood. Some markets are only seasonal, while others operate year-round.  Please make a note of the dates and times. But […]

What’s the Fuss About Smoked Fish Spread?

Smoked Fish Spread

I love fish spread.  And I want you to love it, too. Now that my motives are clear, I hope you’ll read on for “Splashy Ventures’ guide to Fish Spread” – my extensively researched (and taste-tested) manifesto for fully enjoying this Florida favorite. Below you’ll find a dash of history, a restaurant and retail “hit […]

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