Dishing with Mark & Carrie March 11, 2010

There is no way to describe Steam Fridays @ the Honey Pot this past Friday! As you entered, you could feel the club was bursting with energy. Fashion students showing off their new creations, off duty dancers letting their hair down, friends getting together for celebrations, several unnamed political VIPs and a couple porn stars all enjoying life GaYBOR style! Through the crowd we heard over and over again, “We can’t believe she is here!” Who was everybody talking about? Sherry Vine was performing as the much talked about internet celeb, Lady CaCa! Also appearing, from “RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 2, ″ was Miss Tyra Sanchez with our local divas Esme Russell, Daphne Ferraro, Alisa, and Chi Chi La Lique. The very best part is that you know Steam Fridays will try to top this event. How? We can’t even guess. We just know they will and we cannot wait!

The GaYBOR District Coalition hosted a mixer to welcome the Buddha Lounge to GaYBOR. Over 80 members sampled the many specialties at the Buddha. From rice and noodle dishes to sushi and edamame there is something for everybody here. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, perfect for a romantic or first date, yet large and inviting enough for a fun happy hour party. As one member said, “I’m lovin’ life when at the Buddha!” We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Buddha to our community. They are located at 1430 E. 7th Ave. on the corner of 7th & 15th Street in Ybor City. They’re open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am until 10 pm, Friday & Saturday from 11 am until 3 am, Sundays from 11 am until 10 pm; they’re closed on Mondays.

The statewide Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus OUTBURST Winter Conferences were held in St. Petersburg at the Hilton Hotel with great ambitious policies included. Michael Albetta, president of the GLBT Democratic Caucus, held a firm hand on emerging issues and on time allotted to speakers. The three day conference cited new directions in gay candidates with openly gay elected Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners member Kevin Beckner and St. Petersburg City Council’s newly elected member Steve Kornel both in attendance. Congresswoman Kathy Castor from Florida’s 11th congressional district spoke on behalf of new anti-bullying laws signed into federal law. Breakout meetings included interactive technology, political action committees, communities of faith, local chapter development and GLBT candidate opportunities. A big highlight was hearing guest speaker Alabama House of Representatives and first elected lesbian voted into any high state office in Alabama, Patricia Todd, with her enduring and classic, “I am going to run and I am going to win” attitude. She really warmed up the 200 plus in attendance.

The pianos have left the streets of Ybor City and have moved on to their new homes. Chelsea Night Club has a beautiful one at the entry. In Ybor City you can find them inside new homes at MC Film Fest, Gallery Live, the Crow Bar and Hamburger Mary’s! Stop by any of these locations and feel free to play away! One piano, though, had a new home but it just didn’t work out. If you have a home for her give us a call at 813-247-6233.