Having my sister Tricia, and brother-in-law Sal, here for a full week does not happen often, so we it was time for all of us to be total tourists and enjoy those excellent little places for good food and more memories. One of our favorites is now VIP Mexican on Indian Rocks Beach. I’ve driven by so many times, but this will be my go-to on the beach from now on. Another great go-to is Pipo and Betty’s Bakery on Gulf Blvd in Indian Rocks, too. The cannoli’s cookies and muffins were outstanding, and those muffins barely made it to breakfast the next day. At just look at this delightful apple strudel!

It was also a pleasure to revisit Sparkman Wharf in downtown Tampa after a trip to see the American Victory, right behind the Florida Aquarium at the Port of Tampa. It’s of only four fully-operational WWII ships in the country and well worth exploring this piece of American History. Just one suggestion, please. Better signage to where it is, please.

After that it was a birthday celebration for Sal, and this incredible dessert at Jotoro on Sparkman Wharf, an easy walk down the street for this. Fun place to celebrate and it was a good chance to show off how much had changed since they had last visited.

Then, it was the Bait House, tucked way down at the end of the Clearwater Beach Marina pier where the deep sea charters go out. Small, unpretentious, with great food, excellent service and a nice way to chill and be glad that were weren’t in traffic on the Memorial Causeway. How good was it, and how tired were we? I forgot to take a pic, but a return visit will take care of that.

It’s the little places, local businesses, that need our love and support so please feel free to share your favorites with me at ann.kelly@cmg.com.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM ANN KELLY’S KITCHEN

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” - James Beard

©2023 Cox Media Group