Trip to Tampa

Spent the weekend in Tampa at the Hoptomic Beer Festival.  Had an amazing time and had some killer brews including Boulder's own Barrel Aged Apricot Infused Mojo and Hoopla Pale Ale.  Several casks from great breweries including St. Somewhere, Terrapin, and a Randall 90. 

The highlight of the trip however was meeting Ernie, the owner of Ella's American Folk Art Cafe.  This is my new favorite restaurant and Ernie is a complete badass.  Walking into the restaurant, you are taken to a rockabilly haven made complete with some of the best southern-inspired food I've ever eaten.  I sat at the bar and was waited on by a great bartender and watched the food fly out of the kitchen into a packed dining room.  Still, the service was incredibly cool and Ernie stopped by to visit.  

I had the Fried Catfish with Fried Pickles and Collard Greens.  F-in awesome all the way around AND it included a deviled egg that was amazing.  I also watched an insane amount of food come out of the kitchen that all looked and smelled incredible.  They also have a great craft beer lineup including Cigar City and Lost Coast.  Wasn't able to drink because I was driving home, but could've done an Oatmeal Raisin Cookie.    Check them out at www.ellasfolkartcafe.com.

Am looking forward to going back.