Tampa info

[Ed Fuqua]

Hey, I gotta maybe do a bidness trip to Tampa in April, Museums Association convention at the Convention Center. Which Googling and aerial photographing looks like it's in the middle of nowhere. I'm going to be taking cabs or public transportation everywhere, so bear that in mind when making recommendations. I'm not going to be able to get over to St. Pete conveniently, stuff like that.

Anyway,
1. what's the "downtown" like and where is it (street name boundaries) in relation to the convention center?
2. good restaurants - organic is nice, local produce is nice, Japanese, Americanized continental, nice joints.
3. live jazz? jam sessions? I'll be spoken for a lot during th eday, but if there's a chance at a nice session, I cna make arrangements. But I won't have a bass. Hanging out is always good, too.

Lemme know...

[Paul New]

That`s where I spent my first 30 years, but I`ve been mostly elsewhere for the past 25 so can`t help other than to tell you that the convention center is downtown.

I will mention Bern`s Steaks, which is within cab range, since you mention local produce etc.., but you probably should google it for reviews since old man Bern has been replaced by his sons lately. The restaurants I most remember in Tampa are either Spanish/Cuban or southern-style seafood, and not what you seem to be looking for. There is Valencia Gardens though, right across the river from the convention center on Kennedy, walking distance, if you care to sample true local fare. It has been there a long time.

Maybe someone living there currently can fill you in on the music scene. The town actually did have a small but healthy jazz community many years ago, but I think it is primarily a BYO deal these days.

Hope you enjoy your time in the hinterlands.