Where's Wendy? The Columbia Restaurant!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

In July I wrote a blog about the ships at Channel Side in Tampa... what I didn't tell you was on the same evening just before closing time we visited the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, Tampa. Now if you've never been to Ybor... here is a brief rundown on what it has to offer.

Ybor is known as the cigar capital of the world, and hosts several night clubs, specialty shops, art, and music. It's flourishes with history from architecture, movie theaters, and celebrations! While we are on the subject of history... and the reason for this post... lets discuss the Columbia Restaurant.

The Columbia was founded in 1905 and is the largest Spanish restaurant in the world! It it owned and operated by the 4th and 5th generations of the same family, and covers a whole city block from front to back and side to side. With 15 dining rooms to choose from your sure to find great seating, and wonderful atmosphere when you eat at the Columbia. While I wandered through this beautiful work of architecture with wide eyes and excitement I photographed the Don Quixote dinning room... it was the first air conditioned dining room in Tampa, complete with a raised dance floor. I photographed the Mezzanine Dining area which is located on the upper level of the Don Quixote room. I was very impressed with the large chargers (plates) that hung from the walls and the three dimensional art work. All of the art work throughout the restaurant is impressive. I also captured their wine cellar which holds over 15,000 bottles of 700 different types of wines. When you enter the Columbia you are stepping into a piece of history with a view of the Cafe' room. It holds the most beautiful bar with spectacular detail to it's carvings. Everything from the white table clothes to the chandeliers and beyond says this is a bit of history you don't want to miss... with not only your eyes but also your taste buds!

Florida holds 7 Columbia Restaurants with one in Clearwater, one in Sarasota, and more... but the one to see is the original in Ybor! So if your ever visiting the area you can find the Columbia at 2117 East 7th Avenue in Tampa. Better yet... don't wait until your visiting... go ahead and plan a trip right now!

Footnote: The Columbia Restaurant has asked if they can use my photographs for their up coming ads!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,
Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media with the Zuiko 14-54 wide angle zoom lens.

Whats Happening at Channelside in Tampa?

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

Tall ships... that's what!! I headed for Channelside last week when I heard through the grape vine that there were some very tall sail ships to be docked there until Wednesday the 14th. I had not heard of “Sail Tampa Bay” in the past, however in 2002 an event known as the America's Sail arrived in St. Petersburg, Florida. Apparently the event didn't go over too well when organizers realized they hadn't done their homework, and there were far to many people who wanted to see the massive vessels.

We arrived at Channelside in the evening, and it seemed to be going very well. Not over crowded, no mass hysteria, in fact everything seemed to be very calm and organized. Three steel hulled ships docked at The Port of Tampa, one in clear view. The first ship we encountered was the U.S. Coast Guard Ship (photo above). Although it's sails were not dropped, it was an enormous beauty. We couldn't figure out how to board the ship, but enjoyed walking around until we found the perfect spot to photograph her large exterior. Named “Eagle” she is a training ship for the U.S. Coast Guard.

As we enjoyed a perfect dinner at the Columbia Cafe, we realized the other ships where docked further down, and as night fell, we finished up our meal and made our way to photograph the Uruguan flagged Schooner called “Captain Miranda” and the Columbian barque “Gloria.” Both as massive, and as beautiful as the “Eagle” with lights along their masts and friendly sailors on board and on shore... perfect for capturing at night.

Hopefully this event will continue and we will be able to go back year after year to enjoy these ocean beauties. If we are in fact graced with their beauty again... I will be sure to get on board the next time!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,
Wendy

All images shot with the Olympus E500, on Lexar digital media, with the Zuiko 15-54mm wide angle zoom.