DOWNTOWN CONCIERGE

National Red Wine Day 8/28 and National Drink Beer Day 9/28 and as always, enjoy their happy hour specials.

By Nanette Wiser

SIP & SUP Point Chaud Coffee & Crepes will be opening its first Florida café at Ark Innovation Center, the Tampa Bay Innovation Center, where business, tech and financial professionals can hobnob and cut deals. European-style espresso cart, Café Tuk Tuk, is the new meet and greet spot at the corner of Central and First St. Spicy Zaxby’s chicken chain opens its first St. Pete location in in the Skyway Marina District.

Forbici Modern Italian is coming to Sundial from Tampa, and we’re already salivating over the craft cocktails, grilled branzino, pasta, fungi pizza, Calabrian chicken wings and tiramisu. Kahwa café and drive-hrough opened in Coquina Key. Oktoberfest is around the corner, and we’re looking forward to schnitzel and German chocolate cake at The German Knodle and hoisting a stein at Berlin’s Doener.

At the Museum of Fine Arts, Café Clementine serves desserts and dishes from scratch inspired by the seasons and with thoughtfully sourced ingredients; many of which are organic or produced locally. From the Hibiscus Berry iced tea and Masala Chai Latte to the figgy grilled cheese sandwich with rosemary on house made sourdough and Turkish Eggs, the savory eats and pastries are paradise redux. Open Thurs.-Sun. 9am-3pm, owners Vince and Paulina started at the Saturday Morning Market and it’s a passion project. Says Paulina: “Each day is a new opportunity to treat our guests to something special. We rise early to bake for you, we take the time to make everything from scratch, and we craft each dish with care. It is our goal to spark joy and comfort in every day, all in hopes of nourishing your body and soul.”

SHOP If you missed July’s 50th Sunrise Sale in your pajamas, you can still shop till you drop. Discover local artists’ works as Shapiro’s Gallery, Florida CraftArt, Morean Arts Center, ZaZoo’d, The Merchant and Second Saturday Artwalks. Check out August’s opening of Pageboy Vintage Market, Apothecary & Hair Studio for kitchenware, reimagined vintage furniture and more at 460 Third St. N. In Grand Central District and The Edge, browse Buster’s Antiques, ArtPool, Craftsman House Gallery and Pieces of a Dream

Bacchus Wine Bar serves summery favorites such as Beet Carpaccio (goat cheese, orange supremes, mint vinaigrette), with Sardines Sur Croûtons and lobster salad best paired with Sancerre. Celebrate with them on National Pinot Noir Day 8/18,

TIDBITS Kudos to Sommelier Jackie for coverage in Forbes for best tequila drinks; ask for a Spanglish when you toast her at Ceviche St. Pete… A new $120 million, 28-story is coming to 234 Third Ave. N displacing Fit 2 Run and The Exchange Hotel… $2.1 million was approved for south St. Petersburg affordable housing projects under Mayor Ken Welch’s “Housing Opportunities for All” plan. stpete.org/residents/housing/ housing_opportunities_for_all.php

FUN Visit the family and pet-friendly St. Pete Sunday Market at the ArtsXchange from noon-6pm! Shop local artists, creators, and small businesses; food trucks and live music at 515 22nd St. S. Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill 19th Hole Clubhouse – Tee off on two virgual golf simulators @Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill 19th Hole Clubhouse, host to On The Tee Florida broadcast Thursdays 5-7pm. Talking about golf, travel, entertainment and lifestyle featuring Mike “The Hack” Rickord, PGA Golf Professional John Reger, PGA/PGA TOUR/Coach Bill Buttner, Emmy Award Winning comedian Kerry McNally, author/ musician Tom Gribbin and artist/celebrity beverage cart Patti Suzette. It’s a hoot! Halloween on Central is back 10/29 with a new Voodoo Village curated by LocalShops1.