ABOUT ME
I grew up in Lakeland and moved to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida. After graduate school, the opportunities and people in Tampa made it impossible to leave. This city is incredibly welcoming with a strong sense of community. Tampa Bay and its people have helped provide me with a rewarding career at Moffitt Cancer, thriving neighborhoods, and a wonderful place to raise our daughter.
MY LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
One of my favorite spots is Oxford Exchange, which works for everything from coffee, to lunch, to an afternoon drink in the Champagne bar. In that order, I am choosing a matcha lemonade from Buddy Brew Coffee, chicken paillard salad, and then a French 75.
For a staycation, I love The Vinoy by way of the Cross Bay Ferry. It’s wonderful that Downtown St. Petersburg doesn’t require a car to access many attractions, museums, restaurants, and waterfront.
Mise en Place is my favorite place for quiet dinners and celebrations. Maryann Ferenc creates an atmosphere worthy of life’s greatest occasions, personal and professional.
I love that Hyde Park Village has made a grand resurgence and has a great mix of local shopping with nationally known retailers. My husband and I met on a blind date at Timpano, so there are great memories in the Village.
When guests are visiting, we jump on the Pirate Water Taxi and head down the river to Ulele.
Brunch at Counter Culture mixes traditional with modern the way only Chef Jeannie Pierola can. I think it is one of the hardest menus in Tampa Bay to choose from.
My neighbors might kill me for sharing this hidden gem, but the view, sunsets, and the green space at the end of Davis Islands is the perfect spot for a picnic.
Check out these two Culinary Sweethearts at Oxford Exchange.
