By Judi Gallagher

Wow, there is a lot to look forward to. The Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival is just around the corner in St. Pete on Saturday, May 15. Last year I ran into hundreds of Sarasota locals under the massive tents, where I tried amazing berry sangria, bold California cabernets and samples of ceviche and tenderloin sliders, with a whole lotta South Beach energy goin’ on!

Libby’s gave me a sneak peek at their summer menu due out after Mother’s Day. Look for some creative dishes with creative titles like Polite White Chili, Housemade All Natural Chicken Sausage, Roast Poblano, Melted White Cheddar and Frizzled Tortilla. There’s also The VegetarianAnti-Muffaletta with avocado, Big Easy olive spread, horseradish Havarti, tomato, grilled red onion, Bavarian Bakery olive loaf and truffle Parmesan fries. And some Judi Gallagher favorite flavor combos like: rotisserie half chicken, sesame-miso glaze, spun cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, blue crab crusted mahi “BLT” salad, baby arugula, applewood bacon, grilled beefsteak tomato, Green Goddess dressing and onion frites.

In addition, sneak word from Chef Fran is that the unbelievable organic blueberry pancakes on the Sunday brunch menu will make a summer appearance, so stay tuned—they are as addictive as the deviled eggs and biscuits.

The Savory Street at Citrus Square is opening, and what a wonderful European style bakery/café this will be for the neighborhood. With a professional chef and the “mothering partner,” the concept will include baguettes, hand-held savory pastries, espresso bar and wonderful European desserts. More on that after I dig in to some sampling next week.

Claudia and Claudia at the Savory Street.

I would be remiss if I did not explain my absence at this year’s Florida Winefest. As noted in my last blog, I was in Orlando judging the Crisco National Pie Contest—but there was, how shall we say, an ironic poor twist to it all. You can read more on www.flavorsandmore.com later next week. It was fun meeting the Pillsbury Dough Boy and the legendary Today Show weatherman Willard Scott and even more thrilling that the owner of Sign of the Mermaid on Anna Maria Island won the Professional Division. But here I sit, still dreaming of that perfect apple pie…

That Today Show guy Willard Scott.

Pies, glorious pies.