Creative Loafing Tampa: Brian RiesTampa Creative Loafing Weekly Newspaper, shelter from the mainstream for news, event listings, dining, movies and music, restaurants.Taps Wine & Beer foams with potential- August 27, 2008 Tampa's downtown adds another piece to its puzzle... By Brian Ries It would be difficult for any restaurant or bar to live up to the expectations many have for the revitalization of downtown Tampa. Even unsubstantiated rumors of a place that might serve to lure folks into the tough nighttime scene are met with giddy excitement by condo developers and business associations. Taps has been the subject of press releases dating back to the signing of..http://tampa.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/taps_wine_amp_beer_foams_with_potential/Content?... This week&39;s wine and food events- August 27, 2008 August 27-September 2... By Brian Ries THURSDAY: CAFÉ LARGO Café Largo will be setting its tables with classic French cuisine like roast quail and veal loin paired with classic French wine varieties. $74.50. 7-9 p.m., Aug. 28, Café Largo, 12551 Indian Rocks Road, Largo (727-596-6282 or cafelargorestaurant.com). FRIDAY: CHARLIE&39;S WINE BAR This week is the monthly 25 tasting, with a bounty of wines, beers and sparklers from..http://tampa.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/this_week_s_wine_and_food_events/Content?oid=503... Suburban farmer, part 1- August 20, 2008 For a better home and garden.... By Brian Ries The farmer’s markets are nigh empty, local produce is limited to citrus and tropical fruits, and the heat index is at its sweltering peak. Might not feel like it’s time to start that vegetable garden, but backyard farmers need to get cracking, snappy-like.For years I’ve dreamed about turning part of my suburban quarter-acre into a towering monument to edible nature. Tomatoes,...http://tampa.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/suburban_farmer_part_1/Content?oid=497508 Know your ingredients -- Sichuan peppercorns- August 20, 2008 China's spicy secret weapon... By Brian Ries Sichuan (or Szechuan) cooking is often associated with blistering heat thanks to a heavy hand with the numerous chiles grown in the region. Unlike the tame stuff you&39;ll find at local take-out joints, true Sichuan dishes take a lifetime of exposure to truly appreciate, spice novices rendered insensate and hallucinating in the corner, drowning in milk and water, clutching tongues engorged by the...http://tampa.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/know_your_ingredients_sichuan_peppercorns/Conten... |