It might be a short month and the most misspelled but we’re never short of food and fun in the fine month of February in Kelly’s Kitchen. The groundhog officially said we’re set for an early spring, and the strawberries are ripe. So, let’s dive right in to Five Fun Things for February!

1. In Kelly’s Kitchen, life would not be complete without a healthy option, which for me is Nature’s Food Patch on Cleveland Street in Clearwater. You won’t be able to miss the beautiful display of organic wines, chocolates and more when you walk in the front door. Choose from Lake Champlain organic chocolates, Salvatore Principe's special edition wine collection, and treat yourself to a Chocolate Dipped Raspberry Latte while you're shopping topped with organic whipped cream and chocolate drizzles. See, you can have your chocolate and still feel good about it!
2. If it’s deep fried and on a stick, it’s at the Florida State Fair opening Thursday at the Fairgrounds right off 301 in Tampa. There are some new and gastronomically challenging additions to the Fair menu; how about grilled meatloaf sundaes? Too heavy? Okay, go for the red velvet funnel cake. But I don’t think it’s possible to calculate how many WW points are in the "Red Neck Burger," a beef patty topped with cheese, bacon, fried bologna, baked beans and potato sticks. Keep the cardiologist on speed dial, and check here for all the frivolity at the Fair.
3. Can you possibly hold off until the 28^th for the opening of the Florida Strawberry Festival? I love the people who put it all together, and love the ladies who serve up those massive bowls of strawberries and whipped cream. It just doesn’t get more down home and delicious that this.
4. Of course, Valentine’s Day is coming up on the 14^th, and it’s a fantastic excuse to buy the one you loved a decadent box of artisian chocolates. We’re blessed with local chocolatiers like Bill Brown at William Dean Chocolates, and if you find yourself in Dunedin, stop in at the Candy Bar on Broadway for Viktoria Richards chocolates. Treat yourself accordingly.
5. It’s Bands, Brew and BBQ at Busch Gardens Sunday nights from February 10^th through March 3^rd. Great chance to sample some craft beers, grab an extra handful of napkins and enjoy the BBQ, and yes, the music!  This year, the lineup include John Kay & Steppenwolf, Barenaked Ladies, The Doobie Brothers  and  The Goo Goo Dolls.

   What’s on your menu this month? Share! We’re always looking for your suggestions for the best places to have brunch or just hang out for Simply Sunday. Suggestions are always welcome to ann.kelly@coxmg.com.  

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

Late February, and the air's so balmy snowdrops and crocuses might be fooled into early blooming. Then the inevitable blizzard will come, blighting our harbingers of spring, and the numbed yards will go back undercover. In Florida its strawberry season - shortcake, waffles, berries and cream will be penciled on the coffee shop menus. - Gail Maze