I just love “restaurant weeks.” What a wonderful way to check out places I haven’t had the chance to visit and to raise awareness in many cases. The best part? You can start chowing down now.

It’s the very first Black Restaurant Week in Tampa running through this Sunday, December 6th. The event has been happening nationwide for the last five years and now it’s out turn to show off cuisine like soul food, dishes from the Caribbean along with vegetarian options, barbeque and more. The mission of Black Restaurant goes beyond just a great meal - it’s an experience! For a list who’s on the participating menu for Florida just check here and feel to share those lovely food photos by tagging us on Instagram and Facebook @1055thedove.

Tampa will be hosting Super Bowl LV in February so what better time for The Road To Game Day Restaurant Week? You don’t even have to wait until February - it starts Friday, December 4th and runs through the 13th throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties with something for everyone. Enjoy some new food experiences and know that you’re helping our friends at Feeding Tampa Bay with a donation of $1 per meal going back to the fight against hunger in Tampa Bay. I want to see what makes the cut for the big game with your pics, once again tagging us @1055thedove.

Enjoy, and let’s start thinking about our favorite Christmas recipes next. I’ll share mine if you’ll share yours! Send them to me at Ann.Kelly@cmg.com and please include the recipe and a photo.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM ANN KELLY’S KITCHEN

“We know that a peaceful world cannot long exist, one-third rich and two-thirds hungry.” Jimmy Carter

Cox Media Group