Keep Saint Petersburg Local hosted the first LOCALICIOUS “Eat LOCAL Drink LOCAL Week” Oct. 12-19. Businesses, breweries and local flavors, spread out over a week, invited locals to divulge in their home favorites.
Keep Saint Petersburg Local, a nonprofit organization, “works to build a thriving local economy and a unique community.” During the LOCALICIOUS week # presented by Rollin’ Oats # local restaurants featured local ingredients.
Localicious kicked off with a St. Petersburg community potluck on Oct. 12 at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement. Guests brought dishes made with local ingredients. Gypsy Wind, a local band that describes themselves as “acoustic, swing, jazz and newgrass,” performed at the General Store. Pathfinder Outdoor Education led a tree climb.
For froth and bubbles, Localicious went to St. Pete Brewing Company on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Sweet Divas Chocolates offered each person one piece of their chocolate covered Applewood smoked gourmet bacon. The shop then sold their custom stout beer floats with Tropiccool ice cream.
On Thursday, Oct. 16 was the Local Meltdown at NOVA 535. Nine amateur chefs competed in A Grilled Cheese/Mac-n-Cheese/Anything with Cheese Throwdown. Guests purchased a tasting ticket to attend the event, which allowed guests to judge and vote on the cheesy creations. LoungeCat performed old school blues, New Orleans jazz, swing, ska, standards, Motown and Latin.
Guests took a tour of the Grand Central District on Friday, Oct. 17. On The Grand Treats & Tunes Trolley Hop guests rode the Looper Trolley while Justin Vilardi of Paint the Town Red performed. The trolley stopped at local restaurants with local music and treats at each stop. Gourmet doughnuts were provided by The Hole Donuts and cupcakes by It’s Icing on the Cake. Tropiccool had icy gourmet popsicles, sorbet and gelato.
More than 20 local businesses came to Local Farmers’ Market on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Green Bench Brewing Co. LOCAL BUDS: Artisan Collective. St. Pete’s well-known street musician Nick Boutwell played his accordion. Don’t Stop St. Pete Music Festival played a collaboration with entertainment.
Information gathered from http://keepsaintpetersburglocal.org/localicious
