Michele and I spent the weekend with my sister Kay and her husband. I have known "brother Bill" since I was twelve. He bought me my first bottle of liquor (he got in more trouble than I did) and helped me write my first speech. So, we thought we would show them a bit of "Florida's Best."

Bill has had a gift certificate to Bern's Steakhouse burning a hole in his pocket for months. And, of course, I'm just the guy to help him use it. So it was off to Bern's - not too shabby an introduction to "Florida's Best." Don't forget, this culinary icon even has a separate room just for dessert - even if you just have room for the Café Con Leche with Cuarenta Y Tres, like I did.

The next day while Bill & Kay slept-in at the Hampton - Ybor City, "M" and I shopped and prepped for one of our "tapas afternoons." A great tapas affair is like maintaining a gentle "beach buzz." Each item is uniquely satisfying, but served in small enough portions to keep folks wanting more - some Caprese Pintxos, a few Diver Scallops, a modest portion of Salteado (made with the leftovers from Bern's). Bill and I had time for a Flor De Ybor City, and a little "43" on the side, while the girls started getting ready.

For a great evening out, it's "dinner & a movie" or the theater. With special guests, what better than a Broadway show? So, it was off to the Straz to see & hear Mamma Mia. Fantastic, the guys in the theater rendition could actually sing. Pierce Bosnan makes a great 007, but can't "carry a tune in a bucket" in the movie version.

"Auntie M" took the lead on preparing Sunday Brunch, producing her "customize your own" Belgian Waffles. She has a Hamilton Pro double waffle iron and can crank those babies out. What to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon? How about touring "a world-class" art museum. Yes, that's it, let's visit the new Dali. Our docent was so knowledgeable. She revealed some of the truly unique aspects of Salvador Dali's childhood that shaped his quirky behavior as "the world's most important surrealist" (according to Dali).

What to do for the grand finale? We returned to Ybor City to finish our tour of "Florida's Best" at the Columbia - a favorite with our family for three generations. A pitcher of Mojitos, the Shrimp Supreme tapas, a round of 1905 Salads and a choice of artisanal bean soup - what a great way to end a weekend of "Florida's Best."

Start and end your tour of "Florida's Best" in the heart and soul of Tampa - Historic Ybor City.

- Tom Keating