For those who don’t know, I’ve been writing for Creative Loafing for a year now. I interned in the food section last summer and started freelancing the following semester. Besides learning about what’s new and poppin with the food scene here in Tampa Bay, one of the great things about writing for the weekly magazine are the events. Meet the Chefs, in particular, is a fave of mine. Restaurants are a vast commodity in the 813/727 and this event lets you sample some of the best of those spots.

Meet the Chefs 2018 is my 2nd time going and I was counting down until the day arrived. I don’t have the time to travel all over so this lets me get a feel of what’s out there and what I need to eat next. Event space The Vault, located in downtown Tampa, is where Meet the Chefs happened. I’ve been there a few times and all I can imagine is “wow, this is a great space for someone’s wedding reception”(no, not mine…that’s not happening no time soon).

For newbies, it’ll feel overwhelming walking in and not knowing where to start. There are so many choices to pick from that you don’t want to make the “wrong” decision. My suggestion: start with the entrees first, grab a drink to wash  it down, and end with dessert.

I had a ball at Meet the Chefs this year and can’t wait to see who’s going to be included in the lineup. I guess I think no one knows who I am so it was surprising when a few attendees came up to me to say hello. Of course, we chatted and talked about the event, agreeing we both were having fun.

Check out the gallery below to see what I sampled from the restaurant lineup:

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