Oh, you already know where we’re going with this in Kelly’s Kitchen, don’t you! The movie we just love to watch over the holidays, “A Christmas Story,” is onstage at The Straz Center in Tampa December 6^th – 11^th. What child wouldn’t do whatever it took to get that one desired Christmas gift? We take you back to my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and the 40’s for the story of Ralphie Parker, who so desperately wants that Red Ryder BB gun that he’ll pretty much do whatever it takes to get it. And it also taught us the dangers of a frosty cold light pole! The movie’s original Ralphie – Peter Billingsley – produced this musical that will create a whole new holiday tradition for your family.

   And as long as you’re heading over to Tampa for a night of great theater, why not take advantage of Maestro’s for dinner before the show? Chef Benito is known for creating sensational menus for each individual show, and for “A Christmas Story” he has some delicious choices that he shared with us in Kelly’s Kitchen.  Your choices will range from a traditional Christmas Roast, to this delectable Cranberry Duck Breast. Take a look at how Chef Benito works his magic!

   The menu also includes a Potato Crusted Salmon, a special Chef’s Plate, and something that’s a favorite of mine, the Cotelettes Maestro, which are Colorado Lamb Chops served over Wild Rice. See the preparations here.

   Of course, no meal is complete without wonderful side dishes, and they’ll be happy to help you choose a beautiful wine to accompany your meal. And please leave room for dessert! All desserts are prepared in house, and worth the extra calorie…or two.

   Happy Holidays from all of us in Kelly’s Kitchen and more information on all the shows coming to the Straz and for ticket information, just click here!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

[Ralphie is visiting Santa at the department store, only he can't remember what he wanted]
Santa Claus: How about a nice football?
Ralphie as Adult: [narrating] Football? Football? What's a football? With unconscious will my voice squeaked out 'football'.
Santa Claus: Okay, get him out of here.
Ralphie as Adult: [narrating] A football? Oh no, what was I doing? Wake up, Stupid! Wake up!
Ralphie: [Ralphie is shoved down the slide, but he stops himself and climbs back up] No! No! I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!
Santa Claus: You'll shoot your eye out, kid.
Ralphie as Adult: [narrating, after BB gun shot bounces off target and hits his face] Oh my god, I shot my eye out!`