This Two-Day Chocolate Festival Is Coming To Tampa Bay

One of the sweetest events in Tampa Bay is making a comeback in 2024. This February, the Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival at Gulfview Square Mall is dishing out its favorite chocolatey goods in Port Richey.

Vendors will be there showing off their favorite menu items alongside new, special signature creations that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Guests get to experience a wide variety of different chocolate treats like popcorn, chocolate covered pretzels, truffles and more.

The good news is, admission is free. Chocolate isn’t the only thing you get to enjoy. Anybody love professional wrestling? If that's you, then you're in luck. Guests get to witness The Love of Wrestling show on February 17th. This wrestling show is presented by the Generation Championship Wrestling where local professional wrestlers will hit the ring for a unique show.

Not only will you get to see a wrestling show, but there will be live entertainment, demonstrations and other chocolate themed activities. Tampa Latest said, “Food vendors will go beyond their regular offerings, preparing specific items crafted for the chocolate festival. It’s a delicious fusion of entertainment and culinary delights that promises an unforgettable experience for attendees.”

If you have dietary restrictions, don’t worry because there’s all sorts of options to choose from. There are vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, paleo and pescatarian options for everyone. No need to leave your pet at home because this event is pet friendly. Just remember to bring anything you’ll need to clean up after your pets.

If you want to learn more about the Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival, you can check-out their Facebook event page. Some of the vendors you'll get to see are Sweet Cookie Journey, The Twisted Kettle,  Mad Beach Chocolate and more. You’ll find the list of participating vendors as well as any information you may need before going.

Florida has been making a name for itself in the BBQ world over the past few years. We asked you on social media where to find the best barbecue in Tampa Bay and you didn’t disappoint. We put together a list of the 7 Best Barbecue Spots in Tampa Bay.

Earlier this year, Southern Living Magazine named Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach the 8th best BBQ spot in the country. Then, Taste of Home named Shiver’s Bar-B-Q in Homestead, FL, as the best barbecue in Florida. Both of those options are different types of BBQ, so that comes down to personal preference.

The short answer is yes, and they’re all much different from the next. BBQ isn’t a one size fits all type of cooking and in fact, the wood used to cook the various meats really decides the kind of flavor you’re getting. The big four in BBQ are Kansas City, Texas, Memphis, and Carolina Style BBQ.

In Texas, you have the sweet and hot flavor blasted brisket. In Carolina, pulled pork is the go-to. In Memphis, they love their smoked meat and hardwood charcoal. Finally, Kansas City has grown to perfect all kinds of BBQ.

In Florida, you’ll see a variety of types of BBQ. We’re known for doing things differently down here and that’s why some of the barbecue you see here, you won’t see anywhere else. There’s tons of different kinds of barbecue in the state of Florida from food trucks, trailers, and full fledged restaurants. Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach offers gator meat ... if that scream FLORIDA, we're not sure what does. 

We asked and you answered. There were dozens of great choices to choose from, but the people have spoken. 

Here are the 7 Best Barbecue Spots in Tampa Bay.

With the most votes and the clear top choice in the area, Laurie Cue's  “serves the sexiest BBQ in Florida” according to their site. All of their food is fresh, never frozen and they make all of their rubs and sauces homemade. They’re a food truck serving up pulled chicken, pulled pork, sliced brisket and more to the people of Brooksville. Laurie's also caters so you can enjoy the best BBQ in Tampa at your next party.

Serving up freshly smoked Texas style BBQ, The Brass Captain Saloon & BBQ is a Madeira Beach favorite. Kick back with ribs, pulled pork, chopped brisket, drinks, live music and more.

The Ozona Pig is the spot where "Southern Style BBQ" meets Memphis roots. If you're looking for hickory smoked, slow cooked BBQ pulled pork, fresh brisket, ribs, grilled rib-eye, and more, The Ozona Pig is the place for you.

Johnsons Barbeque has been a tradition in Plant City for over 60 years. Elton Johnson started slow smoking pork shoulders from his "gas station-turned-restaurant" and now proudly serves up some of the best classic southern dishes in Tampa Bay. You'll find BBQ tacos, pit barbeque, steak specials and more.

Hungry Harry's has been proudly dishing out it's famous BBQ to the people of Tampa Bay since 1985. They are located in Land O Lakes and Seffner. They cater, offer daily specials, and regular menu items.

http://gty.im/925874764

Mission BBQ first opened its doors on September 11, 2011. "Ten years after our world changed forever, in some small way we wanted to change it back. As the founders of MISSION BBQ, we strive every day to remind everyone what makes Our Country great—its heroes. Who are we? Two friends passionate about BBQ, patriotic for Our Country, and who believe in running a business with meaning and purpose" says Mission BBQ.

For over 50 years, Jimbo's Pit Bar-B-Q has been serving the Tampa community.  You can order up breakfast specials, sandwiches with sliced or chopped BBQ pork, ribs and more. Visit their website for more information.