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Photo courtesy Tampa Bay & Company
Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of real human and animal mummies and related artifacts ever assembled.

Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of real human and animal mummies and related artifacts ever assembled.

Photo provided by the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)

“Mummies of the World,” Museum of Science & Industry, Tampa, FL

Rare collection makes its Florida debut in Tampa

by Mary Lou Janson | January 26, 2012

For an up close view of the work of both real “wrap” artists, those who intentionally mummified remains, and specimens preserved by natural means, don’t miss “Mummies of the World” when it travels to Tampa for a limited exhibition April 27 – Sept. 3 at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI).

This exhibition offers a revealing look at a variety of remains that are far more than mere skeletons, …


Crispy fried oysters served with guacamole, cilantro, and tomato jam

Crispy fried oysters served with guacamole, cilantro, and tomato jam

Photo by Mary Lou Janson

Wimauma, Tampa, FL

Southern flavors from its food, Southern charm from its staff

by Mary Lou Janson | January 23, 2012

Less than a month after its doors first opened, folks are already lining up for Wimauma’s well-prepared and presented—and nicely priced—style of Southern-cooking-meets-modern-American cuisine.

The always-evolving menu (as in it changes every few days) features dishes made from locally sourced foods. And the always charming front-of-the-house hostess/general manager/one-person-welcoming-committee Amy Moran, a seventh generation Floridian, makes guests immediately feel like family.

Meanwhile, her real family, husband and truly talented chef Gary Moran, …


Tampa brewery offers tours and tastes to the public the third Saturday of each month.

Tampa brewery offers tours and tastes to the public the third Saturday of each month.

Photo by Mary Lou Janson

Cold Storage Craft Brewery, Tampa, FL

Microbrewery creates craft beer that complements food and Florida's climate

by Mary Lou Janson | January 20, 2012

There’s a new brew that’s showing up in supermarkets as well as at dining and drinking establishments throughout Central Florida as Florida Avenue brand beers and ales are being embraced by fans of micro-brewed beverages.

Cold Storage Craft Brewery sold its first barrel of Florida Avenue beer more than a year ago and is already set to double production of its three signature beers, Florida Avenue Ale, Florida Avenue Blueberry, and Florida …


Soup sampler at Ybor City's Stone Soup Company

Soup sampler at Ybor City's Stone Soup Company

Photo by Mary Lou Janson

Stone Soup Company, Tampa, FL

Tampa's Soupman taps local ingredients, local talent to create restaurant & catering business and contribute community service

by Mary Lou Janson | January 16, 2012

Mention soup and you’re sure to trigger memories, whether of slurping tomato soup on rainy days, soothing what ails you with chicken soup, or recalling Seinfeld episodes featuring the unforgettable character called the “Soup Nazi.”

Here’s a soup scoop—Tampa has its own “soup-er star” when it comes to hawking healthful, hardy, flavorful, and filling freshly made soups that have been served since 2010.

Owner and originator of The Stone Soup Company, …


Pictured left to right: Sonia Manzano, Loretta Swit, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Emily Dorsch, and Daisy Eagan

Pictured left to right: Sonia Manzano, Loretta Swit, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Emily Dorsch, and Daisy Eagan

Photo by Carol Rosegg

Love, Loss, and What I Wore, Straz Center, Tampa, FL

Apparel, accessories provide fashionable framework for these soul-baring stories

by Mary Lou Janson | January 11, 2012

A woman’s personality as defined her purse and its myriad contents.  That first awkward trip to the store to buy a bra and the later loss of those breasts to cancer. Weight gains and weight losses, love found then lost then found again, and the never-ending debate between flattering, thought-inhibiting high heels vs. comfortable, practical but oh-so-not-sexy flats.

What could easily become a collection of flip, trite tales that keep the laughs coming with …


"Crowns" photography exhibit features portraits of black women in church hats

Photo by Michael Cunningham

“Crowns” by Michael Cunningham, Gallery 221@HCC, Tampa, FL

Gallery exhibit showcases and celebrates "black women wearing church hats"

by Mary Lou Janson | January 08, 2012

Much more than a simple adornment, the crowning touch a black women selects for her Sunday ensemble is an elegant, exuberant statement about herself and the relationship she has with her church.

No simple chapeaus, these hats tend to be head-turning headpieces that defy anyone to not take notice and demand, not only attention, but an affirming nod of acknowledgement and admiration.

For professional photographer Michael Cunningham, his witnessing of churchwomen …


Mary Lou Janson's photo

Meet the Tampa Insider

Mary Lou Janson

Most of my life has been spent in the Tampa Bay area, where I currently… more





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