Tag: Library

I have been asked repeatedly by followers of the blog, “When are you going on your next trip and where are you going?” Well as much as I like to just chill at home and play backgammon on my phone, I do feel an obligation to the readers of my blog. So today we headed to Tampa, Florida. The reason we are here will come later but first I have to tell you about our adventure getting to this lovely city. First, we were greeted this morning by the best Uber driver of all time. We didn’t even have to use the Uber app. Yes, my friend Mike was at our door at 8:55 AM as planned and took us promptly to LAX. He even had his car recently cleaned and supplied us with two water bottles in the back seat. Yes, he insisted on us both sitting in the back.

For this trip, we decided to travel via Delta instead of our usual carrier, American Airlines. We have been mistreated by American one time too many and decided to give Delta a try. I contacted Delta in advance and they agreed to give us high status on a trial basis but unfortunately not their premiere status that would have given us access to their lounge (one strike against Delta and one plus for American). We found all the employees to be very polite and helpful. The flight was smooth and we had the best meal ever on an air flight. I realize that isn’t saying much since I would venture to say I have never enjoyed a meal on an airplane and rarely take more than one or two bites. Since I wasn’t expecting much from the food, I didn’t bother to take any photos. My lunch included a very good Chicken Caesar salad (Patrice had the pasta). I also had fresh fruit that actually tasted fresh and like fruit. Finally, we were given a tasty chocolate chip cookie for dessert. This is a big plus for Delta over American.

Now for the reason for our trip. Those of you who know me are aware that for over two years I’ve spent Tuesday mornings, removing tattoos from the formerly incarcerated and former gang members at Homeboy Industries.  In my attempts to get better at tattoo removal, I met a woman who has a thriving tattoo removal practice in Tampa and she agreed to let me shadow her to pick up some tips.

I know there are those of you saying “Robert is not going all the way to Tampa just to learn something about removing tattoos.  I have to confess, you are right.  As followers of the blog know we are on a quest to visit all 30 MLB ballparks (we have been to 18 so far).  Now we get to add Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays.  The Rays are one red-hot team, they are currently 18-3 and have not lost a single game at home. We will see them Monday night.  But before baseball or tattoo removal we have the favorite topic of this blog.  Yes ……… FOOD!

Tonight we had an incredible dinner at the Library. When Patrice asked if I wanted to go to the Library after our arrival in Tampa I thought she had lost her mind.  I do enjoy my Men’s Book Group but Saturday night at a library did not sound very attractive.  Well, I am very happy to report that this was my kind of library. 

The Library [600 5th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701] is a high-end restaurant, located within the property of the Johns (not John) Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. The restaurant design is based on the George Peabody Library in Baltimore. Hopkins and Peabody donated the money required to build the hospital in St. Pete and thus the reason for the design of the restaurant.

The service at the Library was superb as was the food. Patrice and I ordered the same meal: Scallops with Grits and Brussel Sprouts (see below)

The decor of the restaurant was very interesting, giving you the feel of being in a library. Well, not exactly, more like being in a library where is it too dark to read and there is a lot of alcohol being consumed. (See below).

To add one more touch of library motif see how they deliver the check.

Now it is back to the hotel to chill and get ready for baseball and tattoo removal. Wait, tomorrow is Sunday and we aren’t doing either. I am sure my tour guide (Patrice) has something special in store for us.

Until then!