Tampa Dishcrawl Takes on Cigar City

Feeling hungry?

You won't be after the Cigar City Dishcrawl Tuesday, March 12.

After a successful Tampa Bay launch in February, the Dishcrawl is taking on Cigar City, also known as Ybor City, March 12 starting a 7 p.m.

Dishcrawl is a tasty way to discover new foods and make new friends while visiting four restaurants in one evening.

They are now being held in 20 cities including San Jose, San Francisco, Toronto, Montreal and Philadelphia.

Tampa's first sold-out Dishcrawl Feb. 5 took food lovers on a tour of Hyde Park and Palma Ceia.

Next week's Dishcrawl will take foodies on a culinary tour through four Ybor City restaurants, all in one night. Restaurants are revealed 48 hours before the event and clues about each restaurant are leaked via Twitter (Twitter @DishcrawlTpa) and Facebook.

Organizers say Ybor City is an ideal location for the second Tampa Dishcrawl.

Known for its architecture and rich history, Ybor is a National Historic Landmark District, and several structures in the area are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2008, 7th Avenue, the main commercial thoroughfare in Ybor City, was recognized as one of the “10 Great Streets in America” by the American Planning Association.

With cultural influences from Spain, Cuba and Italy, Ybor City's restaurants reflect the mixed cultural heritage of the area.

Participation is limited and the $45 tickets are going quickly so food lovers should make reservations quickly by visiting the Dishcrawl website. All ticket holders will be notified of the meeting location via email 48 hours before the event.

In addition to sampling foods from different restaurants and socializing with fellow foodies, the Dishcrawls give residents an opportunity to meet local chefs and learn more about cultural dining experiences including Greek, Moroccan, Ethiopian, Asian and Cuban cuisine.

Participants are urged to come with empty stomachs because they will definitely be full by the time the Dishcrawl is over.

If you miss the Cigar City Dishcrawl, don't worry. Another Dishcrawl is planned for Tuesday, March 26, featuring the restaurants of Bayshore Boulevard.

Tickets are now on sale.

For information, contact Tampa Dishcrawl ambassador, Tracy, at tracyg@dishcrawl.com.