Busch Gardens Howl o Scream 2019

My favorite time of year is here! Both my husband and I are obsessed with everything Halloween. This will be our 9th Halloween in Tampa and as always, we are excited for Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream to kick off the season on Friday night! Be sure to follow along with my instagram stories as I will be sharing live videos and photos all night instagram.com/irun4wine.  Howl-o-Scream will take place on 22 select nights, from September 20-November 2. Ahead of our visit, I wanted to share what you can expect at the 2019 Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream, ticket options and all the upgrades to enhance your experience.

But first - let's talk about Death Water Bayou. Five years ago we had a destination wedding in New Orleans. Gabe proposed to me in 2013, which happened to be the inaugural year for Death Water Bayou, a haunted house based in the swamps of New Orleans, haunted by the Voodoo Queen. All throughout the house were nods to the Big Easy. I did what any Halloween obsessed blogger who was about to get married in NOLA would would naturally do - pitched them for a Haunted House engagement shoot. You can check out the Halloween Engagement Shoot here. It was one of the coolest photo shoots I have done and will always be grateful that Busch Gardens gave us those memories. I am excited to say that Death Water Bayou is returning this year.

DEATH WATER BAYOU: WRATH OF THE QUEEN
VOODOO MAGIC HAS RETURNED THE QUEEN TO HER SWAMP - DESCEND INTO THE SWAMPS IF YOU DARE...
Just when you thought she was gone for good, the Queen of the Shadows has been lifted from the dead by Voodoo’s dark magic and is seeking revenge upon the living. Armed with her devilish devotees, all who dare to enter the swamp are subject to curses around every corner.

THE RESIDENCE
NOT ALL IS THAT IT APPEARS TO BE - DISCOVER THE DOMESTIC DEMONS WITHIN THIS SUBURBAN HOME
Enter the pristine home of the picture perfect suburban Clark Family, but beware of unseen horrors – once you’re invited in, you may never make your way out. Don’t let yourself become the next sacrifice in their sinister devotion.

INSOMNIA - PATIENTS' REVENGE
PATIENTS AND DOCTORS CLASH - EVERY DOOR IN THIS HAUNTED ASYLUM LEADS TO YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE
Years of cruel treatments at this sleep institute have warped the minds of the tortured and imprisoned patients. Now rising against the demented doctors, the inmates have taken over the ward to seek sick revenge to torture their evil caretakers.

MOTEL HELL: INFESTATION
ESCAPE FROM THE TORMENTED MOTEL - THE EXTERMINATOR HAS TURNED HIS NOXIOUS ATTACKS ON YOU
Hordes of oozing, wriggling insects have infested Motel Shellburn and the exterminator is determined to extinguish all signs of life, including the guests. Every room in this motel from hell brings new skin-crawling horrors as you try to escape his noxious attacks and check out alive.

THE BLACK SPOT: BLOODSHED
ESCAPE FROM SAW TOOTH SILAS’S MURDEROUS HIDEAWAY - AN INFAMOUS PIRATE HAS YOU MARKED FOR DEATH AND HE HAS YOU RIGHT WHERE HE WANTS YOU
Dare to enter the underbelly of Captain Saw-Tooth Silas’ pirate ship. Try not to fall victim to what this macabre labyrinth has in store for you, the trick lies within the dimly lit corners of this mysterious hideaway- holding the secret to escape… or demise.

SIMON'S SLAUGHTER HOUSE
TRY TO MAKE IT THROUGH SIMON'S HORROR-FILLED HOUSE - STEPPING INTO SIMON’S HOUSE LEADS TO A GRUESOME GAME OF SLAUGHTER
Watch where you step in Simon’s house, as every twisted turn corrals you from one sickening scene to the next. Don’t get caged in or you might be the next one up on Simon’s butcher block.

TICKETS AND UPGRADES
One thing I will suggest, if you are going to Busch Gardens Howl-o-Scream, invest in one of the front of the line upgrades. This will allow you to get the most of your experience, able to enjoy all the houses and rides you want. You can select from a variety of different options - everything from one time haunted houses to unlimited front of the line for the entire season. Plus this year, Busch Gardens is offering an unlimited admission ticket giving you access for all 22 nights! This is huge if you are looking to go more than once this year. Details and pricing are below!

HOWL-O-SCREAM 2019 SINGLE-NIGHT TICKET starting at $39.99
Brave 1 visit to Howl-O-Scream 2019, select nights Sept. 20 - Nov. 2, 2019 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Buy your tickets now and lock in your price.

HOWL-O-SCREAM 2019 UNLIMITED ADMISSION TICKET $79.99
Valid for unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Howl-O-Scream 2019 for one consecutive weekend (Thursday – Sunday) Scream your way through all 22 nights of Howl-O-Scream, select dates Sept. 20 - Nov. 2, 2019 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

HOWL-O-SCREAM 2019 WILD & WICKED WEEKEND TICKET $109.99
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream Wild and Wicked Weekend Tickets
Enjoy a weekend full of visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during the day and Howl-O-Scream at night, weekends Sept. 20-Nov. 2, 2019.

FRONT OF LINE FEAR PASS starting at $35
Skip the Lines with Front Line Fear during Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Why wait! Get front-of-the-line access to 6 haunted houses of your choice.

FRONT LINE FEAR EXTREME starting at $45
Skip the Lines with Front Line Fear Extreme during Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Enjoy front-of-the-line access at 6 haunted houses and 7 major thrill rides of your choice.

ALL HOWL-O-SCREAM FRONT LINE FEAR UPGRADE starting at $149.99
Why wait! Get front-of-the-line access to all haunted houses and thrill rides of your choice for all 22 nights. Howl-O-Scream admission is required but not included.

SCARE ZONES
There are 9 scare zones this year at Howl-O-Scream. Included in the scare zone is First Fear, all of the horrors of the last 20 years of Busch Gardens.

FIRST FEAR: The horrors of Howl-O-Scream’s haunted past are the first frights to greet you, rising from the dead and bringing 20 years of fear back to life.
LITTLE NIGHTMARES: Take a creepy walk down memory lane to the bygone era of papier-mâché masks and homemade costumes sure to stir up the nightmares of your childhood.
CARPE NOCTEM: The eerie quiet of this gothic Romanian cemetery is shattered by the triumphant screams of vampires and the sobbing moans of their victims. Climb into a coffin but your photo may be all that comes out.
CAMP DOA: Rising from the murky swamp waters, murderous mutants have taken over a seemingly peaceful campground. Campers are snatched from their idyllic dreams to become ghostly stars of living nightmares.
HELL ON WHEELS: In a post-apocalypse world, the surly survivors will stop at nothing for food and supplies, destroying all who stand in their way. Can you run the gauntlet of a murderous crazed biker gang to make it out alive?
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS: Honoring the souls and spirits of those who have gone before us, guests can dance the night away in this festive zone; featuring face painters, traditional tastes of Mexico, spectacle of performers, and a one-of-a-kind photo with an icon of La Catrina.
MANIAC MIDWAY: Go backstage at “scariest show on earth” with Sparky and his terrifying carnie-crew as they take over Pantopia and make the midway their own stage of torture creating a frenzy of fear.
DEADLY TOYS: You can run but you cannot hide as giant toys spring to life in a murderous rampage with you in their sights. Childhood memories will be destroyed when these toys turn a play date into a slay date.
MEAT MARKET: Howl-O-Scream’s most fear-inducing zone places you in the center of a nauseating assault by cannibal creatures gorging on their monster menu of human hors d'oeuvres.

FOOD, DRINKS, AND HAPPY HOUR!
As much as I love Halloween, I am a big baby. I am petrified of clowns and I cannot go to any haunting event without having liquid courage. There are tons of bars within Howl-o-Scream and below is where you can find cocktails, beers, wine, shot girls, and more. Be sure to visit Serengeti Overlook Pub between 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. for pre-event / Happy Hour drink specials!
Carnibar in Pantopia
Dragon Fire Grill Entrance
Serengeti Overlook Pub
Stanleyville
Meat Market Bar
Nairobi Walkway

FRIGHT FEAST starting at $29.99
Devour monstrous main courses and desserts at this delicious dinner. Then, be the first to brave the dark with a half-hour of early access to the haunted houses and front-of-the-line privileges until 8:30 p.m.

FRIGHT FEAST & BEVERAGE PACKAGE starting at $49.99
Enjoy all the exclusive benefits of Fright Feast mentioned above, plus the choice of any three beverages throughout the night including beer, wine, cocktails, soda and water.

0

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Bier Fest #thrillsontap

This weekend I checked out Busch Gardens Bier Fest in Tampa Bay. The annual beer festival will take place on weekends through September 8th and will give attendees the opportunity to explore over 40 craft beers from around the world! This includes 20+ Florida Craft Breweries and the beers will change throughout the festival.

Tampa has an incredible craft beer scene so this festival makes perfect sense! Along with 40+ beers, there are multiple food tents and  live entertainment. My in-laws were in town so we brought them along and had a great afternoon trying out multiple brews and bites.

I was excited to see my favorite beer, Abita Strawberry there! This beer used to be seasonal and was just made available year-round. If you go to the festival, give this beer a try. You'll thank me later.

BIER FEST BREWS

FLORIDA BREWERIES
3 Daughters Brewing, Barrel of Monks Brewing, Big Storm Brewing Co., Big Top Brewing Co., Brew Hub, Central 28 Beer Co., Cigar City Cider & Mead, Coppertail Brewing Co., Crooked Thumb Brewery, Dunedin House of Beer, Escape Brewing Co., Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Fort Myers Brewing Co., Green Bench Brewing Co., J Wakefield Brewing, MIA Beer Co., Orange Blossom Brewing Co., Pierced Ciderworks, Sailfish Brewing Co., Tampa Bay Brewing Co., Two Henrys Brewing Co., Veza Sur Brewing Co., Walking Tree Brewery

Grand Mimosa, CiderBoys

DOMESTIC BREWERIES
21st Amendment Brewery, Abita Brewing Co., Bell’s Brewery, Boston Beer Co., CiderBoys, Dogfish Head Brewery, Goose Island Beer Co., Lagunitas Brewing Co., New Belgium Brewing Co., Oskar Blues Brewery, Sea Dog Brewing Co., Short’s Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Stone Brewing, Terrapin Beer Co., The Bruery

INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES
Hofbrauhaus, Paulaner Brewery, Peroni, Samuel Smith Brewery, Stella, Wittekerke

BIER FEST BITES

BEST BITES
We tried the Reuben Croquettes and the Deep Fried Cheese Curds. Both were exceptional and I would order them again. We paired them up with the Sweet & Hot Mustard and the Maple-Bacon Honey Mustard.

• Bacon Mac & Cheese Bites
• Reuben Croquettes
• Deep Fried Cheese Curds
• Dipping Sauces: Basil Parmesan Mayo, Sweet & Hot Mustard, Maple-Bacon Honey Mustard

Deep Fried Cheese Curds and Reuben Croquettes

SIP 'N SLIDERS
The two sliders we tried were the Schnitzelwich Slider and the Bratwurst Slider. I preferred the  Bratwurst Slider with the Pretzel Roll, it was perfect with the braised red cabbage.

• Bison Slider: Grilled Bison Slider on a Pretzel Roll with Provolone Cheese, Bacon & Onion Marmalade
• Schnitzelwich Slider: Schnitzel on a Pretzel Roll with Swiss Cheese & Maple-Bacon Honey Mustard
• Bratwurst Slider: Split Bratwurst on a Pretzel Roll with Braised Red Cabbage & Horseradish Mustard
• Flourless Chocolate Torte: Served with Guinness-Infused Whipped Cream

Bratwurst Slider

MELTED MUNCHIES
The groups favorite bite of the day was the Impossible Burger Slider. We didn't tell my in-laws that it was a veggie burger and they raved about it being one of the best burgers they've had. I agree. If I am going to return to the festival this year, I would buy a full sized version of one of these sandwiches. I hope Busch Gardens puts it on their menu permanently. We also tried the Short Rib & Brie Melt. It was good, just wish there was a little more short rib on the sandwich we got!

• Short Rib & Brie Melt: Short Rib, Brie & Caramelized Onions served on a Toasted Roll with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
• ImpossibleTM Burger Melt: Impossible Burger on Texas Toast with Provolone & Red Onion Jam
• Griddled Cheesecake Melt: Sweet Cream Cheese Filling on Pound Cake, Grilled & served with Guava Sauce

Impossible Burger Patty Melt

PUB GRUB

• Fried Chicken Wings tossed in your choice of Spicy Mango Sauce, Blood Orange Sesame Glaze, or Korean BBQ sauce
• Sweet Potato Fries served with Toasted Marshmallow Dipping Sauce
• Deep Fried Pretzel Sticks with Beer Cheese Dipping Sauce

TACOS ON TAP

• Shrimp Taco: Beer-Battered Shrimp, Flour Tortilla, Shredded Cabbage, Queso Fresco & Sweet Ginger Pickled Onions on a Flour Tortilla
• Smoked Brisket Taco: Smoked Brisket, Corn Tortilla, Citrus Chipotle BBQ Sauce, Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese & Crispy Jalapeno Strips on a Corn Tortilla
• Jerk Chicken Taco: Grilled Jerk Chicken, Flour Tortilla, Shredded Cabbage, Smoked Pineapple Salsa & Queso Fresco on a Flour Tortilla
• Portobello Mushroom Taco: Portobello Mushrooms Sautéed with Peppers, Onions & Corn served on a Corn Tortilla with Shredded Cabbage & Pico De Gallo

FLOATS

• Adult Root Beer Float with a shot of your choice
• Hard Coffee Float: Pabst Blue Ribbon Hard Coffee served over Chocolate Soft Serve Ice Cream
• Rosé Float: Astoria Sparkling Rosé Moscato served over Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream
• Maduro Float: Cigar City Brewing Maduro Brown Ale served over Vanilla & Chocolate Swirled Soft Serve Ice Cream

FOOD & BEVERAGE SAMPLER PACKAGES
One of the things I really appreciate about Busch Gardens festivals is that you can purchase a tasting lanyard. This is great if you're going with a group of people as you can evenly split the cost, and won't be sticker shocked at the end of the day. Our group of Four split two 10 packs and it was more than enough for us. There are multiple samplers in a variety of price points. The way it works, each food and drink sample equals one hole punch. If you want a full sized beer (or wine), you can use two hole punches. Pass Members save 15% off samplers and have the access to purchase an exclusive 12 item sampler.
5-ITEM SAMPLER: $29.99 ($25.49 w/ Pass Member discount)
10-ITEM SAMPLER: $49.99 ($42.99 w/ Pass Member discount)
12-ITEM PASS MEMBER EXCLUSIVE SAMPLER: $49.99 (must be an annual pass member to purchase this lanyard)

You can check out more details and hours of the festival on buschgardens.com 

Thank you to Busch Gardens for providing us with two tickets and tasting samplers. I was not required to write this post and all opinions are my own.

0

Seminole Hard Rock Tampa East Wing Hotel and Construction Update

This weekend, Gabe and I had the amazing opportunity to be one of the first people to stay in the brand new hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. The new East Wing is part of a combined $2.2 billion expansion between Seminole Hard Rock Tampa and Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Over the past two years, we've witnessed all of the changes first-hand and it is exciting to see the final touches coming together. Tampa's expansion will be completed this summer with a grand opening date scheduled for October 3rd.

While we've spent quite a bit of time at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa over the years, we've only stayed overnight once before. I have to be honest, we were both blown away by the new tower. We stayed in a deluxe queen room and it was massive in size. I can't imagine what the suites are going to look like when they're completed! The bedding was amazing and I need to find out how to get those sheets at home. I spend a lot of time in hotels due to my day job and I can honestly say, this was one of the more comfortable rooms I've been in. Everything was spacious and very elegantly designed.

Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Rendering

The East Wing hotel will be 14 stories when completed which will include 562 new hotel rooms and suites. Once  the expansion is complete, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Hotel will offer approximately 800 guestrooms (including 86 suites).

The Wallflowers

While at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, we were able to catch a concert at Hard Rock Cafe by the popular 90's band, The Wallflowers. Both Gabe and I are fans of the band and have seen them live in the past.

We loved being able to see a live band, then step out the doors to hit the slot machines! When the expansion is complete, there will be an event center with over 60 major entertainment acts each year and you can find upcoming concerts and acts on Seminole Hard Rock Tampa's website.

One of the really unique features about Seminole Hard Rock Hotel is focused around... music. You can take a self-guided memorabilia rock walk tour, finding apparel, accessories and musical instruments from some of your favorite past-time and present-day acts. The jacket worn by Lady Gaga during the 2017 Super Bowl is now showcased in the new hotel lobby. You can find memorabilia from Elvis Presley to Jimi Hendrix and to Britney Spears. Memorabilia is not where the music experience ends - those staying at Hard Rock Hotel can experience The Sound of Your Stay® inroom music amenity program which allows guests to customize their music experience. There are three offerings named: tracks®, picks®, and wax®. We received a card for picks® when our room was turned down which included a guitar pic, telling us to either rock out to an air guitar or dial 0 to have a Fender® guitar delivered to our room. As much as I wanted to press 0 - Gabe said tequila and Fenders are not a good combo!

tracks® – During their stay, guests have the chance to experience Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa through the lens of favorite artists and tastemakers. With the tracks® amenity, guests download curated music playlists to amplify their stay, listening to artists they know and love, while experiencing upcoming musicians on the cutting edge.
picks® – In true rock star style, guests of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa channel their inner Santana or Clapton by reserving a Fender® guitar to be delivered to their room, including legendary Stratocasters, classic Telecasters and bass guitars for those looking to throw down a funky bassline. Guitars come complete with a Fender® Mustang floor amp and headphones to ensure maximum sound (and zero noise complaints!) during jam sessions.
wax® – The latest addition to the Hard Rock music amenity program, wax® offers guests the opportunity to tune into the magic of vinyl and experience music as it was intended to be heard. Partnering with Crosley, Hard Rock turns up the in-room listening experience with a carefully curated collection of iconic records chosen by Hard Rock’s team of music experts. A Crosley turntable will keep the records spinning as guests find their groove at their leisure.

Bathrooms in East Wing standard room

I fell in love with the shower inside of our hotel room. We are in the final stages of completing our third bathroom remodel in our house. The only negative thing about our stay is Gabe now wants to redo our master shower again to resemble Hard Rock Hotel's.

Grand Entrance

A large part of the $700 million expansion at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa has been completed, some of the new updates include
Mezzanine Level Casino A smoke-free Mezzanine level casino and gaming room
L Bar This bar is located between the property’s two hotel towers, has live music and a vast menu with craft cocktails, more than 30 different selections of bourbon, local and imported beer, wine and champagne.
The Center Bar Seating for 90 people in the center of the casino floor featuring 12 TV's and Hard Rock memorabilia from notable music icons such as Beyonce, David Bowie, Alicia Keys and Dean Martin.
Rise Kitchen & Deli Rise has a new home in the Mezzanine Level Casino. The newly remodeled hour restaurant features breakfast 24 hours a day along with classic and contemporary comfort foods.
New arrival experience The check-in and concierge has been moved to the East Wing side of the hotel. Guests will get a prime view of Elvis Presley's 24-karat gold leaf grand piano.
Hard Rock retail store There is a new retail store located adjacent to the new arrival and check-in experience.

Coming Soon:

Rock Spa Renderingg

Rock Spa The expanded, 26,000-square-foot Rock Spa® & Salon will feature 13 treatment rooms – including a Rhythm & Motion room, Hammam, and two VIP suites – a hair and nail salon, barber shop, and co-ed aqua lounge. New signature treatments include HydraFacial and Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial, as well as a Hammam body treatment, Zemits Bionexis rapid body slimming treatment and LightStim light therapy. Hotel guests will also have complimentary access to a fitness center, which features complimentary weights, treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers, flat screen televisions and a mirrored wall.

Pool Complex Rendering

Pool Complex Seminole Hard Rock Tampa will be home to three new outdoor swimming pools: one private, one adult-only and one for families. The new 60,000 pool complex will be located on the second level of the hotel and casino complex and will feature 20 cabanas, 600 lounges and daybeds, two DJ booths and more. There will also be a new full-service pool bar and grill on the pool deck.

Constant Grind Rendering

Constant Grind There will be a new grab and go coffee shop which will offer gelato, pastries, sandwiches and artisanal chocolates.

Italian Fine Dining Joining Seminole Hard Rock Tampa's restaurant scene will be a brand new elegant Italian restaurant opening this fall which will be an elevated Italian dining experience at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa.

More games An additional 1,000 slots and 41 game tables will be revealed throughout the gaming spaces, joining the current 4,000+ slots, 138 table games and  the state-of-the-art poker room with 46 poker tables.

Event Center Rendering

Event Center 
Hard Rock Event Center will have seating for 2,000 guests and will be located on the second level of the casino complex. A companion 17,000-square-foot grand ballroom will host conventions, trade shows, private events, large-scale poker tournaments and concerts, including 60 major entertainment acts each year.

The new East Wing of Seminole Hard Rock Tampa is currently available to book in the future, which you can reserve by clicking here. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel offers all guests staying overnight:
• Property-wide, Hi-Speed Wireless Internet
• 24-Hour Rockin’ response service
• 24-Hour In-Room Dining
• Signature Hard Rock custom “Sleep Like a Rock” bedding with Egyptian cotton linen
• Sweetgrass Body Products
• Self or valet parking options
• Pet-friendly

A special thanks to Hard Rock for giving us an opportunity to check out the new hotel before anyone else! I was not required to write this post - we're just very excited to share the expansion updates with everyone. As always, all opinions are my own.

0

The Rez Grill Chef Pairing Dinner with The Ravenous Pig

In 2011, I decided to make the move from Daytona Beach to Tampa. I found a job, which I thought was going to be temporary (7+ years later not the case at all) and over the first six months while my relocation was in process, I split time between our Orlando and Tampa offices. My first day on the job, my bosses took me for lunch at The Ravenous Pig. This was back when I lived the life of only knowing chain restaurants. The Pig quickly became my favorite Orlando restaurant and I still try to dine there whenever in town.

Why am I sharing this piece of history with you? Fast forward to December 2018. I was invited to a Chef's pairing dinner at The Rez Grill, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa featuring the talented Frank Anderson, head of Culinary at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa and James Petrakis, Chef-Owner of The Ravenous Pig. This dinner featured 6 courses, 3 created by each Chef, all with a pork themed. All 6 courses were paired with wine or a cocktail.

To say I was excited for this dinner is an understatement.  Ever since Chef Frank came on board to Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, I have been very impressed. I have said it once before, and will say it again - he is doing amazing things not only for Hard Rock, but also for Tampa's thriving culinary scene. The price for this pairing was $99 a person. For 6 courses prepared by some of the best Chef's in Florida, all paired with drinks - that's a GREAT deal! Here's a recap of the amazing dinner we had at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa.

FIRST COURSE:

Stracciatella Cheese | Benton’s country ham, burnt honey, pistachio powder, Rez Grill
If I can say one thing and one thing only about this dish - Dear Chef Frank, please for the love of god put this on Rez permanent menu.

SECOND COURSE:

Tete De Cochon Brulee | Beets, Joyce’s mustard, shallot, frisée, Ravenous Pig
Ironically my first meal at Ravenous Pig was a salad called the Farmer. This popular salad is changed seasonally and during that trip was the first time I was introduced to frisée.

THIRD COURSE:

Braised Pork Agnolotti | Lemon brown butter, Parmesan, sage, Rez Grill
When I first saw the menu, this was the dish I was most looking forward to, and it did not disappoint. Seriously wishing I had a plate full of those pillows.

FOURTH COURSE:

Roasted Palmetto Creek Pork Loin | Gnocchi, pumpkin, apple butter Ravenous Pig
This dish was incredible. I loved every part about it!

FIFTH COURSE:

Frito Pie | pork chili, dirty cheese, pickled jalapeño, cilantro, Rez Grill
Oh Frito Pie! You had me at hello. I actually have served a dish similar to this at an event. I love the fun play on the amazing chili, using the Frito bag as a serving component.

SIXTH COURSE:

Tahini Tres Leches | Cardamom cake, grapefruit, larded toffee, chai meringue, Ravenous Pig
This was such a unique twist on Tres Leches and had so many flavors creating magic that you would never think worked well together.

The Chef's telling guests what to expect from the evening.

Follow Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Online | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Special thanks to Seminole Hard Rock Tampa for hosting us at Social Hour. As always, all opinions are my own.

0

Council Oak at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Introduces Social Hour

My husband Gabe and I were invited to experience the newly launched Social Hour menu at Council Oak inside of Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. Social Hour at Council Oak is their version of Happy Hour and they are offering signature drinks and bites 7 days a week from 4pm-6pm (!!!) in their Lounge.

Council Oak is our favorite restaurant in Tampa. It is fine dining so we don't get to visit very often. Having options under $20 at Council Oak is a fantastic deal and their menu variety on the Social Hour is very impressive. Reduced pricing on food and drink while listening to live music is a perfect night out. Everything we tried was excellent. My favorite signature bite was the Grilled Brioche & Mushroom Toast and Gabe's favorite was the Grilled Beef Tenderloin.

Council Oak Social Hour Signature Bites

GRILLED BRIOCHE & MUSHROOM TOAST 13

Truffle Crème Fraîche, Manchego Cheese, Pickled Shallots, Mirco Chive

FRIED GREEN TOMATO CAPRESE STACK 13

Burrata Crème, Cilantro-Spinach Pesto, Roasted Red Pepper Jam

GRILLED BEEF TENDERLOIN SKEWERS 17

Blended Herb Chimichurri, Crispy Shallots

COUNCIL OAK MEATBALL 15

House Marinara, Toasted Baguette, Parmigiano Reggiano

BBQ KUROBUTA PORK BELLY 15

Sweet Kimchi Glaze, Parsnip Chips, Cucumber Slaw

SKUNA BAY SALMON TARTARE 15

Three Citrus Dressing, Pickled Red Onions, Citrus Crème Fraîche, Crispy Potato Skin

There are a variety of wines and craft cocktails on the Social Hour menu at a reduced price. The wines will vary over time. Seminole Hard Rock Tampa is known for their cocktails, so it wouldn't surprise me to see those change up! Gabe and I tried the Cucmber Gimlet and the Perfect Americano. The Cucumber Gimlet was delicious and very easy to drink.

$10  Social Hour Cocktails

CUCUMBER GIMLET
Effen Cucumber Vodka, Elderflower, Pear Nectar, Lemon Juice, Sparkling Wine

PERFECT AMERICANO
Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Tattersall Orange Crema, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth

APRICOT NEGRONI
Luxardo Apricot, Opihr Gin, Cynar, Lemon Juice

You can keep up with all the happenings at Council Oak online. If you haven't been to Hard Rock in a while, I suggest a visit. They recently opened up another wing that is non-smoking and the construction is moving along fast.

Follow Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Online | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Special thanks to Seminole Hard Rock Tampa for hosting us at Social Hour. As always, all opinions are my own.

0

Busch Gardens Howl O Scream 2018 Review

It is no secret that I am obsessed with Halloween. I have been this way since a small child and it is my favorite time of year. Halloween kicks off the holiday season and is full of fun, scare, treats and surprises. Residing in Tampa has it's perks....Busch Gardens hosts Howl-O-Scream every year, where on select nights in September and October they turn the park into a land of horror.

When we moved to Tampa in 2010, we started attending Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream. There has only been one year over the past eight where we missed attending (2014, wedding, honeymoon and crazy busy). We even had an engagement shoot at one off the Haunted Houses, Death Water Bayou! 

I was very excited when Busch Gardens invited me and Gabe back to check out this years Howl-O-Scream during their VIP party. I've been on the road non-stop over the past month and we had an off-weekend with no plans. Perfect timing! My equally Halloween obsessed friend Corey also went and we had a great time checking out the houses and riding rides.

I can say with 100% certainty that this years Howl-O-Scream was our favorite. On the way home, Gabe and I chatted about how Busch Gardens raised the bar on expectations with their annual event. There were multiple scare zones this year including Meat Market, Maniac Midway, Camp DOA, Deadly Tots, Hell on Wheels and Dia de los Muertos. Busch Gardens did great with elevating the guest experience and all three were way more than someone jumping out with a chain saw to scare you.

If you found yourself in odd numbers, your single rider guest was from another world as Monsters rode the rides with guests. This happened to Corey with a Clown. I would have said NO. She's braver than me. As much as I love Halloween, I HATE Clowns. There were quite a few of those in attendance. All around, we were super impressed with 2018 Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream. Except the addition of clowns everywhere.

Corey riding a ride with a Clown

We were able to check out nearly the entire park with the a Front Line Fear Pass. This pass allowed us to go to the front of every ride and haunted house. We never waited in line for anything we did, which allowed us to visit all 6 Haunted Houses, watch our favorite - the "naughty nurse" Fiends show and ride 4 roller coasters in less than 4 hours. If you are going to Howl-O-Scream, trust me and purchase the add-on. They start at $35 and include 20% off at the gift shops.

Insomnia - Photo by Busch Gardens Tampa

Insomnia

One of the new Howl-O-Scream haunted houses in 2018 was Insomnia. We found ourselves in a haunted asylum, where doctors keep their patients awake forever through twisted treatments. Each door was a new nightmare, and there was a scene with counting sheep that I will never forget. 

Simon's Slaughterhouse - Photo by Busch Gardens Tampa

Simons Slaughterhouse 

Another new house for 2018 was Simon's Slaughterhouse which takes place inside of a Meat Market full of cannibals. The house smells like meat and if there was any place that could turn me Vegan, it was here. This house is intended for 17+ and I am thankful to be writing this on a Monday night, where we have Meatless Monday's in our house.

The Black Spot - Photo from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The Black Spot
You can't be in Tampa without a Pirate themed Haunted House. It's only natural! When Saw Tooth Silas, an infamous pirate, decides that one should no longer exist, he marks them for death. Victims are then sent to The Black Spot, where they meet their horrifying end.

Death Water Bayou - Photo from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

With the Voodoo Queen at our Engagement shoot

Death Water Bayou
This house will always be my favorite. When Death Water Bayou was announced in 2013, staged in a New Orleans Swamp - I knew we had to get Halloween themed engagement pics done there. We love everything about Halloween and were having a destination wedding in NOLA. I was so happy Busch Gardens allowed us to have our shoot there so this house will always mean a ton to me. I was thrilled to hear Death Water Bayou was making a return in 2018. The house starts off by introducing you to the Voodoo Queen and throughout the house, many New Orleans staples turn into dark magic.

Unearthed - Photo by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Unearthed
Another crowd favorite returned this year - Unearthed. In "Unearthed" you go through an excavation in the park leads which leads to the discovery of an old house and a sinister force. The force does not want you to exit and you have to navigate your way through with a flashlight.

Motel Hell - Photo by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Motel Hell
Motel Hell was the last house we visited of the night. It's a haunted house based in a vacant hotel full of paranormal presence from its former owners. Every turn had a new horror.

Howl-O-Scream 2018 will run from September 21st through October 28th. Click here for more information and follow hashtag #NoWhereToHide to live through other peoples experiences!

Busch Gardens Tampa provided me with two VIP tickets to experience Howl-O-Scream. I was not required to write a post and this review was at my own discretion. As always, all opinions are my own.

1