Need I mention I love the month of March?! Spring is in the air, we “spring ahead” one hour and gain all that extra sunshine…and yes, Ann Kelly celebrates another birthday March 6^th. But that’s only the beginning, so please enjoy Five Fun Things for March from Kelly’s Kitchen.

1. The Florida Strawberry Festival opens March 1^st and runs through the 11^th in one of the friendliest cities you’ll find – Plant City. Last week’s media party was a great chance to catch up with the fine folks from the Festival, including the immortal Al Berry who still gives the best hugs in the world. Stop by and choose your favorite shortcake (St Clements for me please) and fine entertainment, like American Idol’s Lauren Alaina this Saturday.
2. It’s the first Sunday of the month, and the Hyde Park Fresh Market, the official sponsor of Kelly's Kitchen, will be open again Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. There’s no more relaxing way to begin a Sunday morning than with a stroll around the circle, and finding delicious items from TeBella Tea Company, Pierogi Delights and many more.
3. The first ever Tampa Bay Beer Week is planned for the 3^rd through the 6^th, and kicks off on the 3^rd with the annual Florida Brewers Beer Fest at Centro Ybor, usually selling out way in advance. They do wrap it all up in style with the Third Annual Cigar City Hunahpu’s Day, which is a mini-beerfest. But you’ll be able to join in the fun all across the Bay area; friend them on Facebook and get all the details at Facebook/tampabaybeerweek.
4. We already know how many world class chefs live and work right here in Tampa Bay, but we might need to clue in a few people at Food and Wine Magazine. They’re allowing us to vote for the People’s Best New Chef nationwide starting March 5^thright here. Speak up!
5. And finally, for fine ballpark cuisine, why not indulge in a Spring Training Tour?! I know a few people who will be on the road checking things out, and with the help of a fun article in Southern Living called “Join The Big Leagues.” They give dining advice along the route, and for us, their recommendations include Parkesdale Farm Market, Malio’s Prime Steakhouse, and Mom’s Place on North Dale Mabry. This month’s Southern Living is worth passing along to the baseball fan in your life if not for this year, to keep for that wish list next year.

 And I suppose my ancestors from County Cork, Ireland wouldn’t mind one final fun item for the month of March…St Patrick’s Day! More on that later. This weekend in Kelly’s Kitchen, let’s hear it for the Girl...Scouts! It’s that time of year when diets go out the door for just one more Samoa, and we’d practically trade our lunch for a single Thin Mint!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"  ~Robin Williams