Taste of Pinellas Food Festival

Good taste rocks a waterfront park.

Plop down beside the glistening Tampa Bay with a plate of the best fare Pinellas has to offer and listen to Grammy nominee Jonny Lang crank out licks on his blues guitar this weekend at the annual Taste of Pinellas.

Tastes of Pinellas in downtown St. Petersburg.

The icing is that entry and live music are free. Entertainment ranges from local bands to national acts such Lang, a guitar phenomenon, ‘80s heartthrob Rick Springfield ("Jesse's Girl”) and ‘80s "Shakin'" singer Eddie Money.

Food and drinks will cost you reasonable amounts with $1 of every $5 going to the All Children's Hospital about 10 blocks away. It's a popular event, attracting more than 100,000, and is one of the last park hooplas of the season. Kids like it because they get to slip, slide and climb inflatables, watch fireworks on Saturday night, and, of course, eat pizza and ice cream.

Since there is no reserved seating, it's a good idea to plant yourself early if you want to see performers up close. Coolers and pets aren't allowed, but folding chairs and sun umbrellas are, and worth bringing if you plan to stay more than a couple of hours.

Me, I just like to sample some gourmet fare without having to dress up and pull out my plastic. More than 40 restaurants including several high-end kitchens will be there offering smaller portions for less than you will find on their regular menus. You'll discover newbies such as the Parkshore Grill, Courtside Grille and Old Northeast Tavern, all in St. Petersburg, and old favorites such as Red Mesa of St. Petersburg, the Hurricane of St. Pete Beach and Brady's Backyard BBQ in Safety Harbor. For a list of participating restaurants, an entertainment schedule and other info, visit http://www.allkids.org/body.cfm?id=227.