Datz Gasparilla!
We are coming up on an exciting and well known annual tradition in Tampa: Gasparilla! Datz has already jumped into the action with a few incredible menu items (see below). For those of you who don’t know the history behind the ghastly tradition that makes us all dress like pirates and holler "ARGH!" here it is: Jose Gaspar, self-proclaimed “Gasparilla”, was a lieutenant in the Royal Spanish Navy until 1783 when he created a mutiny, seized command of a ship and sailed to Florida. As a pirate, Gasparilla was the last of the buccaneers, and terrorized the coastal waters off West Florida during the early 19th century. In fact, excerpts from his diary boast the capture and burning of 36 ships! The ships' crews could either join him or walk the plank… ARGH! Gaparilla ravaged the waters off Florida until December 1821. The crew then decided to divvy up their fortunes and retire as pirates, when they caught a glimpse of what they determined would be their final conquest – a merchant ship sailing to Orleans. But, alas, it was a U.S. Navy warship in disguise! Here is how the story is told, “just as the commanding officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise was boarding the defeated ship, Gasparilla seized a heavy chain, wrapped it around his waist and neck and leaped into the water, brandishing his sword in a final gesture of defiance as he sank into the sea.” This was the basis for the festival that started in 1904. It was dreamt up by Miss Louise Frances Dodge, the society editor of the Tampa Tribune and during a series of secret meetings, the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla planned the first mock invasion! Come help us celebrate this unique and fun Tampa tradition with one of three Gasparilla inspired items:
How do Tampa's Krewes get ready for the invasion? With Milk Punch of course! This favorite tippler is best made a day ahead for full effect.
1 C Buffalo Trace Bourbon DIRECTIONS: Combine sugar, bourbon, brandy and vodka in a gallon container with a lid. Shake until the sugar is dissolved. Add the nutmeg, shake again. Add the milk, two cups at a time, until the jug is full, shaking well after each addition. Chill overnight, then shake and serve.
This towering four-tiered stack of buttermilk pancakes drenched in a coconut-rum sauce will tempt the tastebuds of any marauder – seaborne or otherwise. In fact, the only flag you'll be waving after this will be a white one! (This menu item is available during weekend brunch only.)
Cheers to Tampa History! Tell us what your favorite Gasparilla tradition is! |
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12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 12!
do you have a unique Christmas Eve or Hanukkah tradition? Tell us about it in a comment on this blog! The winner will recieve a complimentary meal card! Have a great Christmas Eve! |
Day 12 of our Christmas Giveaways Contest and we want to know,
12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 11!
another complimentary meal card! It’s photo time for all of you instagram users out there! Tweet us your favorite Datz photo (food or person at Datz) Doesn’t have to be with instagram, most interesting photo wins!
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12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 10!
And the winner is… James Broyles! We felt the passion in that comment!On the 10th Day of Christmas, Datz gave to me…
If you could bring back one item from all of our menus over the years, what would it be??? Today’s winner will receive a complimentary meal card! |
12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 9!
And the winners are… Jennifer A. with her Fa Ra Ra Ra Ra tradition AND Nicole’s Risotto because that my dear just sounds delish!On the 9th Day of Christmas… or the 1st Day of Hanukkah… Datz gave to me… Tell us about that one Christmas or Hanukkah food you look forward to all year And WHY! Write it in our comment section and we will select our favorite one. |
12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 8!
And the winner is…. Melinda! What a great memory!
On the 8th day of Christmas, Datz gave to me… A complimentary appetizer! Simply tell us in a comment below what your favorite Christmas food memory is! We will select a winner and announce tomorrow morning. |
12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 7!
Datz gave to me…. A great shopping deal! No interaction required! Stop on in to our Foodie’s Market for buy one get one free on ANY olive oil! |
12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 6!
Uh… Forget the six geese a-laying! Today we’re giving away a complimentary appetizer to the most creative foodie tweet about Datz. Be sure to include @datz4foodies in your tweet. |
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On the 6th day of Christmas, Datz gave to me…
12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 5!
five golden rings! Of Italian goodness, that is. A duet of tasty taralli bread snacks with harvest-fresh Italian extra virgin olive oil.
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On the 5th day of Christmas, Datz gave to me…
12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 4!
one deliciously decadent, datzified meal! But ONLY if you are the Foursquare Mayor at 11:59pm tonight! |
On the 4th day of Christmas, Datz gave to me…